EU envisions 74% paper recycling target by 2020

The significant increase in the share of non-collectible, non-recyclable paper and board products poses big challenge.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC) has set ambitious paper recycling targets for the region. It set an elevated 74% paper recycling target to be achieved by 2020. It must be noted that organization had set a target of 66% by 2010 and 71.5% by 2015. The Council has also recommended several steps to be followed by the region in order to be able to achieve the set higher target.

According to Ulrich Leberie, Secretary, EPRC, the region has already made significant strides in paper recycling rate by achieving an effective recycling rate of 71.5% in 2015. The enhanced rate set for 2020 will play a key role in boosting Europe’s circular economy and build on the progress achieved till date, Leberie noted. Further, it would also support Europe’s sustainable development and generate huge number of jobs.

Several conditions need to be met in order to achieve the new target. Firstly, there needs to be a landfill ban on recyclable paper by 2020, in order to boost efforts to phase out landfilling of recyclable waste including recyclable paper. Secondly, commingled collection, wherever it exists, must be phased out, as it has proved less efficient than separate collection of paper. Higher imports of paper and board by countries such as China often impacts paper recycling value chain in Europe, as most of these imports are from Europe. The collection level of paper for recycling must be maintained at higher levels. EPRC also recommends review of conflicting policies and legislation within member countries, which in turn prevents paper products from being recycled. Furthermore, member states must also agree on aligned calculation methods for the recycling rates, so as to avoid any ambiguity.

Accordingly, the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) will continue to promote the collection of paper and board from residual waste. Paper companies represented by CEPI will continue to work with suppliers to increase the collection and quality of paper for recycling in Europe. Further, the European paper industry will work towards development of international market conditions.

The significant increase in the share of non-collectible, non-recyclable paper and board products poses big challenge. The consumption rate of certain paper products such as newspapers, which generally has high recycling rate, has declined significantly over the past few years. Also, market share of materials such as complex packaging solutions which are more difficult to recycle, is bound to increase. On account of the change in consumption patterns and development of new products, the target recycling rate of 74% is subject to +/- 1.5% margin, EPRC noted.

The EPRC has announced that it will coordinate to develop a common communication strategy among consumers and public bodies to raise awareness on paper recycling. The organization has called for steps to improve the recyclability and deinkability of paper and board products. It has also demanded development of improved techniques for removing ink from paper products. All these measures should lead to higher paper recycling rates, EPRC stated.

The European Paper Recycling Council (EPRC), formerly known as the European Recovered Paper Council, was set up in November 2000 to monitor progress towards meeting the paper recycling targets. It monitors the progress of the European Declaration and coordinates various efforts to achieve set targets.

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