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Proposed Re-use Standard 2013


WRAP HAS launched a consultation process for a proposed Re-use Standard 2013. The aim of the generic,


Quality remains sector challenge


Geraldine Faulkner Editor


MORE ATTENTION needs to be paid to improving the quality of recyclates, said representatives of the reprocessing industry earlier this week. Ray Georgeson of the


Resource Association, the trade body for the reprocessing and recycling industries, told RWW: "The issue of the quality of recyclate does not go away; if anything, attention to it should be heightened.” This is a view echoed by


Jonathan Short, MD of ECO Plastics: “Quality remains the most pressing challenge facing the reprocessing industry. Far too much of the material that comes through has unacceptable levels of contaminate within it. “Thankfully the signs


are that Defra has listened to the concerns of industry and that the forthcoming MRF regulations will include several key stipulations to address the problem - specifically that the rules


must be compulsory and incorporate a robust testing regime, including regular unscheduled tests of MRFs. Full transparency is essential.” Dr AdamRead, practice


director - waste management & resource efficiency, Ricardo- AEA, stated: “The issue of quality is more important now than ever before. With co-mingled collections here to stay, guarantees about the ability of MRFs to deliver the level of separation required to meet local recycling targets and in sufficient volumes and quality to meet the demands of end reprocessors is core to the UK moving further towards a closed loop economy." Chris Dow, chief executive


of Closed Loop Recycling, pointed out that: “Quality cannot be one issue; it needs to be reviewed alongside the packaging waste export recovery notes (PERNs), packaging recovery note system (PRN) system and the MRF Code of Practice in order to drive demand for quality recyclable material in industry. In addition,


collection authorities should get a share of the increased value generated from better quality materials.” ECO Plastics'MD agreed


with Dow that the PRN system needs reviewing. “Speaking as an exporter


at a time when the export market is becoming increasingly challenging, it is ludicrous that we continue to incentivise companies to ship valuable resource overseas, rather than to develop domestic infrastructure. “It is unacceptable that


exporters can claim 100% of the credit for unprocessed materials, but that domestic recyclers can only submit a PRN after the wash or melt phase, by which point, up to 30% of the feedstock has been lost. By and large we are taking materials from the same sources, so at the very least we should be subject to the same requirements. "PERNs notesmust be


able to demonstrate the same quality standards as PRNs,” continued Short.


• To read Ray Georgeson’s views, turn to page 6


sector-wide standard is to enable organisations in the UK to offer products for re-use that have been subjected to a quality assured process, thereby building customer confidence in purchasing from the re-use sector, according to WRAP. The Re-use Standard


2013, currently in draft form, will be supported by a number of product-specific requirement standards that will detail additional criteria. These, said WRAP, will need to be met by processing organisations for specific product groups, such as electricals and furniture. The Re-use Standard


2013 is reported to have been drafted in association with a technical advisory group comprising UK stakeholders from the across the re-use sector, including governments, public bodies, commercial and charitable re-use operators and waste and resource management companies. Dr David Moon at


WRAP said: "An important constraint on the growth of


LARAC seeks new chief executive offi cer


WITH THE retirement next year of Colin Kirkby, the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC)’s executive officer, the committee is now looking for somebody with local authority waste management experience to replace him. Established in 1985 by local authority officers, LARAC’s


mission is to “provide quality representation for local authorities on recycling and waste management issues”. Candidates need to have previous experience of working


within waste and recycling in a local authority context. The post is offered on a contract basis for a minimum of


three years with a possible two-year extension. • Details can be found at www.larac.org.uk/vacancies


this sector is weak consumer confidence in the quality of products offered for re-sale. "This is partly due to the


shortage of publicly available standards for preparing such items. The Re-use Standard will address this gap and we now welcome comments that will help shape the standard." In addition to inviting


technical and editorial comments on the standard itself, WRAP said the consultation will also seek views on the extent of the need for product-specific requirements, branding and associated issues.


• To get involved in the consultation, visit www. wrap.org.uk/reusestandard


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