PackFlow team update the research which could show the way forward for packaging recycling to 2012
The PackFlow group, which includes organisations and experts such as Valpak, INCPEN, Alupro, Corus, British Glass, RECOUP, WRAP and other material organisations and trade associations, have worked under the support and guidance of the Valpak Consulting team to produce an up-to-date PackFlow report. DEFRA, BIS and the devolved administrations agreed a watching brief on the research and the report in order to have access to the information without directly influencing its outcome. The work was started by the group in 2005 and has been updated on a regular basis to provide a clear and agreed view of packaging and packaging flows in the UK and areas which should be of concern or opportunity in the future.
Steve Gough, Valpak CEO, commented:
“The PackFlow project is an impressive piece of work, with each member of the stakeholder group bringing its own knowledge and support to the project. I am sure you can see that the findings of the report are significant and provide direction to many involved in this sector in facing the problems of reducing waste and thinking of packaging as a resource to be reclaimed, recovered and recycled. I would like to thank the Valpak Consulting staff for having the skill and expertise to take this complex area and break it down into a simple report."
Jane Bickerstaffe, INCPEN, commented:
“INCPEN has been pleased to be involved with this important work. It provides useful guidance for future planning by forecasting the quantity of products and packaging likely to be put on the market."
Rick Hindley, Executive Director of the Aluminium materials organisation – Alupro, commented:
“This has been a huge piece of work, involving many stakeholders, evaluating many factors which will have an impact on increasing the volumes of packaging collected for recycling between now and 2012. It provides a unique insight into the opportunities for boosting collection levels for all materials. For the aluminium sector it has reconfirmed our view that we must focus on boosting collections of aluminium cans consumed away from home and boost the capture rates of drinks cans, aerosols and foil collected at kerbside.”
The report uses complex predictive modelling techniques to map the flow of packaging by material into the UK waste streams and predicts future recycling trends. It also projects the gap between what is presently collected and what we need to recycle in the future. Using expert advice, reports and published statistics it builds a truly unique and detailed picture of the issue.
This tremendously detailed report is now available with the executive summary being released into the public domain today. A briefing seminar is also being held with Local Authorities, media representatives and other interested parties being invited to come and find out more details. This event is planned to take place early in 2010.
A copy of the executive summary can be downloaded from the Valpak website: www.valpak.co.uk/nav/page1607.aspx