Today the High Level Group of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for raw materials met to approve its strategic implementation plan. Mr Ramon Alejandro Balet, President of SAICA, represents the paper industry views in this group. In his intervention Mr Balet described several important issues for our industry related to the raw material partnership.
“Mobilising more wood from European forests is very important for the availability of primary fibres for bio-products. Moreover, innovative approaches to implement the cascading use of wood where it adds more value and jobs in Europe are essential.” said Mr Balet at the High Level meeting.
“For the availability of secondary fibres, the landfill ban and incineration ban for recyclable paper are needed. Additionally, collection systems have to improve to ensure glass and paper are collected separately from other recyclables and residual waste.” he continued.
In October the European Commission will call for concrete commitments in non-technological actions for the EIP for raw materials. CEPI will organise a seminar on the EIP for raw materials during European Paper Week on 26 November in Brussels.
The European Commission has proposed the EIP on raw materials to counter the increasing pressure on raw materials, the lifeblood of today’s high-tech industry. It also addresses the availability of raw materials for Europe, bringing together EU countries, companies, researchers and NGOs to promote innovative solutions to Europe’s raw materials challenge.
More information about the European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/raw-materials/innovation-partnership/index_en.htm
SAICA: http://www.saica.com