European Groups Raise Paper Recycling Target

Members of the European Paper Recovery Council have agreed to support a new goal of increasing the paper recycling rate in Europe from the present level of 55.4 percent to 66 percent by 2010.

The groups note that 46.6 million metric tons of paper and paperboard were recycled in Europe last year, and more than half of the paper used in Europe today is now made from recovered paper.

To reach the goal, 12 different sectors in the paper industry, covering all paper and board products, have pledged their support for the Declaration. The Declaration focuses on complementary actions by all of the sectors involved, and gives priority to the prevention of waste, improving the recyclability of paper and board products, as well as further improving the quality of recovered paper available for recycling.

"Paper and board already boast the highest recovery and recycling rates of materials in Europe. Even so, we are striving to do better. The sectors involved in this Declaration have committed themselves to closer cooperation and complementary actions that will help us reach our target of 66 percent," said Kevin Bradley, president of EPRC. "The industry also has an important role to play in helping Europe meet the European Commission's goal of a 'recycling economy', supporting Europe's sustainable development as well as assuring long-term, robust growth and employment."

The declaration has been revised since the initial declaration and covers 29 coiuntries on the continent, and takes into consideration paper exports.

Signatories of the Declaration are CEPI, CITPA, ERPA, ETS, INGEDE, INTERGRAF. Supporters of the declaration are ENPA, EuPIA, FAEP, FEICA, FINAT, RADTECH Europe.

To view the declaration click on the following link -- EPRC Declaration