CIWM backs calls for continued support and commitment to UK plastics recycling

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has welcomed a statement today by Resources Minister Dan Rogerson MP highlighting the need for continued commitment to plastics recycling in the UK.

The statement follows a meeting called earlier this week by Defra to discuss the challenges facing the plastics reprocessing industry as a result of falling oil prices.

Steve Lee, chief executive of CIWM, said:
"Over the last decade, significant efforts have been directed at building up the UK's reprocessing capacity for recyclable materials, and particular progress has been made on plastics recycling. This success has been built on co-operation and commitment from the whole supply chain, including local authorities, the packaging supply chain and the retail sector. Global market conditions may be challenging at the current time, but it is essential that this progress is maintained and supported, and CIWM welcomes Defra's strong statement to this effect today.

"The statement rightly highlights the commitment to the use of recycled content that the packaging and retail supply chain has made through a range of voluntary agreements and CIWM applauds the step change that these commitments have delivered.

"However, now is the time when action really counts as the plastics markets experience unprecedented challenges. Ultimately, the imperative goes beyond simply meeting targets and legal obligations, it is about 'tooling up' to ensure that the UK directly reaps the environmental and economic benefits of recycling and resource efficiency. It is also about delivering a very positive message to consumers that their recycling efforts are making a difference here at home. Seeing recycling at work in the form of products and packaging with recycled content on the supermarket shelf provides a tangible everyday example that helps encourage behaviour change and drive greater participation in recycling."

The Defra statement can be found here
DEFRA PRESS RELEASE Plastic industry reaffirms commitment to recycling

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found a www.ciwm.co.uk.

Press contacts:
Pat Jennings
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk