The Packaging Federation has issued a forceful response to the DETRs consultation paper on the Recovery and Recycling Targets for Packaging Waste in 2001.


Packaging Federation chief executive Ian Dent said: "I think they have grossly under-estimated the cost increases. To move from 45% recovery to 52% in 12 months will be expensive for the industry."


Dent said that if the target was increased to 58% in the same period costs estimated by the DETR could be doubled.


The Packaging Federation is challenging data and calculations used by the DETR, which is incompatible with those used by the EU member states.


Dent also called for a meeting of all stakeholders and compliance schemes to come up with a solution.


"It would appear that the DETR are quite simply plucking figures out of the air when it comes to their calculations." A response is awaited from the DETR.


Compliance scheme Valpak has also issued its response to the Government paper, re-affirming that there should be no increase above 52% until 2002 at the earliest.


Valpak thought the late timing of the proposals would put a burden on responsible schemes while not addressing those companies not abiding by the regulations and who continue to be "free riders".


The paper considered two options: business obligated with a turnover of 5m handling over 50 tonnes of packaging per year would be eligible for 52% recovery of used packaging, with 16% being recycled; or increase the obligated business target to 58% recovery with 18% of the material meeting recycling requirement. The targets for 2000 are currently 45% recovery with 13% recycling.


Story by Andy Scott