Implementation of more restrictions on the importing of materials for recycling into China could hit China’s income from the European region, the Recycling Association has warned.
Chinese imports into Europe could be impacted by tighter controls on the export of recyclables, warns the Recycling Association
The Association’s comments come in response to a consultation document issued last month over plans by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (CMEP) to tighten import controls for materials such as waste paper, plastics and scrap metal as part of its work to improve the environment.
But, the Environmental Services Association has said it would be ‘premature’ to reach conclusions about rule changes while Viridor has called for a strong government recycling strategy and for local authorities to improve quality of material going into MRFs.
Detailed
Now, in a detailed response to the consultation paper, the CMEP is asked by the Recycling Association whether implementation of its mandate “could impair China’s trade, or even invite increased import tariffs”, so affecting China’s income.
The Association points out that “China has been, and remains a key strategic partner of the UK in a circular economic supply chain of packaged goods and are a principle consumer of our recyclable commodities.”
In its response to the CMEP, which was submitted via China inspection organisation CCIC, the Recycling Association cautions against the “massive potential impacts on the global shipping industry with potentially reducing west to east traffic”. The Association suggest that “should China elect to distort the prevailing market dynamics, lines can only compensate themselves by proportionate increases on west bound freight, thereby further impacting China’s competitiveness.”
On the proposed 0.3% limit of what the Association calls “non-target materials” – with the CMEP calling this “restricted carried-waste” – it says that this is unrealistic and “does not take account of the intrinsic nature of recovered paper and other materials as a feedstock”.
“There needs to be a period of time to phase this in, so that it doesn’t harm Chinese industry who we have very much a partnership with.”
Simon Ellin
Chief Executive, Recycling Association
Simon Ellin, chief executive of the Recycling Association, said: “We do recognise the concerns of China and are supportive of the focus on improving environmental standards and public health. However, there is an industry-wide willingness to continue the improvements we have made. There needs to be a period of time to phase this in, so that it doesn’t harm Chinese industry who we have very much a partnership with.”
Taking up the 0.3% proposal, Mr Ellin said this was unrealistic. “We believe the 1.5% level for OCC, as set out in EN643 and currently required by the Chinese authorities, provides the correct balance of giving Chinese mills what they need while also allowing for realistic collection and sorting of materials.
“But 0.3% does not take into account the intrinsic nature of the material, with tape, staples, labels, plastic liners and wrapping potentially exceeding this level, even though these are easily removed by the mills as part of the recycling process.
“We have therefore asked the Chinese Government to reconsider the reduction to 0.3%.”
Unsorted
In its submission, the Recycling Association also asked for clarity on what is meant by unsorted mixed papers and whether the proposed ban of importing this into China applies to all mixed paper grades.
It also asked for the Chinese Government to reconsider the total ban on post-consumer plastics. The Recycling Association suggested that if the Chinese Government is proposing to allow certain post-industrial plastic grades to be imported with a 0.3% level, then this level could also be applied to post-consumer plastics with no impact on the Chinese environment or human health.
ESA: ‘Premature’
“We caution against any premature conclusions”
Jakob Rindegren
Environmental Services Association
However, in contrast to the concerns and points raised by the Recycling Association (which has several waste management companies as members), the Environmental Services Association, which is “the trade association for the UK’s Resource & Waste Management Industry”, has warned against any “premature conclusions” about the rule changes.
ESA recycling policy advisor, Jakob Rindegren said: “It is too early to comment until we understand exactly what the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection is planning, but we are monitoring the issue closely. We caution against any premature conclusions.”
It is understood that the ESA did not respond to the consultation document.
Viridor: ‘local authorities must act’
With local authority material a major area of discussion over the need for quality in mixed paper, Paul Brown, Viridor’s managing director of recycling and integrated assets, said recently that in line with the findings of an industry-wide WRAP report has indicated, the overall quality of material Viridor received at its processing facilities was not improving.
He said the company – which operates MRFs throughout the UK – ‘strongly urged’ local authorities to act on the issue, emphasising this was vital if the UK was to meet its recycling targets and improve its recycling performance.
One of the network of Viridor MRFs
And, he explained it was crucial for the recycling process to begin with an improved quality of materials to achieve a quality output from sorting plants. At a national and global level high quality recyclates were essential to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
Mr Brown said: “The public are confused with the range of collection approaches in the UK, the stretching of local authority collection periods – leading to continued contamination of potentially good material for recycling.
“Viridor continues to drive quality standards with our clients, and, in particular local authorities, who are not addressing these issues directly.”
He continued: “The UK government has a real opportunity in its forthcoming Waste and Resources Strategy, and in its Industrial Strategy, to set out clear and ambitious recycling and resource efficiency targets, along with delivery mechanisms such as improved public procurement specifications. The economic benefits and job opportunities are clear. Our sector stands ready to invest in facilities and innovation, but only with cross-sector alignment and commitment.”
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Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
