Valpak, the largest packaging waste compliance scheme in the UK, has formed the group to discuss industry-based practical solutions for the European WEEE Directive, which requires the recycling of separately collected waste electrical equipment.
The move represents another step from Valpak's original status as a packaging waste specialist towards being a producer responsibility compliance scheme with a broader remit.
The directive is due to be transposed into UK law in August 2004, with the results of the first round of the government's WEEE consultation is expected to be published later this week.
Adrian Hawkes, director of strategy at Valpak, said: “Valpak has already done a great deal of work preparing our members for the impact of the WEEE Directive. The directive will affect a large section of UK industry and before we submit proposals to Government it is vital that our membership is aware of the implications and fully involved in putting our submission to Government together.”
Members of the Valpak Member WEEE Council include electrical producers like Brother, Canon, Gillette, Hewlett-Packard, Mitsubishi Electric, Philips, Tyco Electronics and Virgin Mobile, who under the legislation will be financially responsible for the recycling of electrical equipment.
The council also has representation from electrical equipment retailers including the Dixons Group, Powerhouse Retail, Safeway and Tesco, who under the directive will be responsible for a like-for-like take-back on the items they sell.
Mr Hawkes said: “Valpak has several hundred members potentially affected by WEEE and has been working with them on this issue for some time. Creating a focused think tank to consider the detailed issues is the next logical step as we seek a consensus on the best practical way to move forward. We are delighted to have the input of so many influential and innovative companies.”
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