CEPI says recycling sector ready for ‘Made in Europe’ policy

The Brussels-based Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has released a statement indicating the forests and “state-of-the-art recycling system” of Europe stand ready to serve European Union policies supporting “Made in Europe” objectives.

“A ‘Made in EU’ competitiveness model should be anchored in sustainably sourced biomass, high quality recycled materials and European technological leadership across these sectors,” states CEPI.

The forest products and paper sectors can help Europe “build a more resilient, future proof growth model,” continues the group, that can be less reliant on coal, gas and other fossil fuels.

Among resources the continent has in abundance, according to CEPI, are “sustainably managed forests, efficient recycling systems and the industrial know how that powers them. This pragmatic approach aligns industrial policy with Europe’s bio-based, circular strengths and advances some of the Clean Industrial Deal’s (CID’s) original ambitions.”

The Clean Industrial Deal (CID) described recycling and circularity as “key to maximizing the EU’s limited resources, reducing dependencies” and enabling “a more sustainable industrial model that benefits the environment and enhances economic competitiveness,” says CEPI.

An updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy can “tap the significant growth potential of bio-based materials substituting fossil based materials,” helping the continent be less dependent on imported raw materials and contributing to EU sovereignty, states the group.

Europe already leads the world in circular material use, says CEPI, adding, “Paper packaging, for example, is recycled at an 87 percent rate across the EU,” citing Eurostat data.

On the emerging policy front, CEPI recommends legislation “mainstreaming the separate collection of paper and board and ensuring predictable, efficient [recycled materials] shipment rules supported by digital tracking that facilitates, rather than hinders, intra-EU flows.”

Because fiber degrades eventually after pulping processes, CEPI urges lawmakers to continue to support the forestry sector, which it says has been protective of the continent’s forests.

Citing the EU Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), CEPI says both overall forested areas and those managed for harvesting have been increasing steadily since the 1990s, “underpinning the bioeconomy’s long-term European supply.”

The group says Europe also is a leader in forest products technology, including pulp and paper machinery, components and manufacturing equipment. (A product range that also could include sorting, baling and shredding equipment used by recyclers.)

“There is nothing more European than circular bio-based materials,” states Jori Ringman, director general of CEPI. “If Europe wants to outcompete others on its own terms, it should double down on where it already leads: sustainably managed forests, world-class recycling systems and industrial machines designed and built in Europe.”

Continues Ringman, “A smart, World Trade Organization (WTO)-compliant Made in EU approach will give manufacturers the confidence to invest, scale and create quality jobs here at home. Whether made in Europe or made with Europe, minimum EU content rules can reinforce a system that already performs best-in-class.”