The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has called for the health of UK papermaking industry to be placed at the heart of government policy to develop an energy strategy that will deliver secure supplies and at internationally competitive prices.
Its raft of demands is aimed at keeping the industry alive on UK soil. There is no benefit to compelling papermakers to move offshore, says David Workman, CPI Director General.
To this end, the CPI says it wants a more proportional approach in achievement of Climate Change goals and the ‘myriad of complex and overlapping legislation’ to be removed.
Capital allowances must be improved for projects aimed at energy, carbon and water use reduction and improvements to our recycling infrastructure, says the industry body.
It stresses that the UK’s waste strategies must recognise ‘the pivotal and positive role that packaging plays in the supply chain’ and ‘support rigorous sustainability criteria to biomass generation’.
Also, the CPI wants government policy to encourage industry apprenticeships.
“It’s now widely recognised that a balanced economy is essential if we’re to prosper in the future,” said Mr Workman, adding: “The paper industry does not seek special treatment, but it does look to government to create the level playing field that will be needed if we are to retain and grow paper production in the UK. There is no environmental, economic or social benefit to be had from compelling it to off-shore.”
