Business model will track waste and help industry meet EU targets

A system to help the waste sector meet its targets by tracking recycling levels and identifying best practice has been launched as part of a joint initiative by the industry.


The PackFlow project will draw on information from Local Authorities, materials organisations, government and industry in order to track recycling levels throughout the UK.

Best practice and areas of concern will both be identified by the business model, and issues that could cause problems in meeting European packaging targets set for 2008 will also be highlighted.

Once the data has been gathered, it will be fed into a projection model, which will then predict recycling trends, based on existing information.

“We will be looking at material-specific issues, process and capacity issues and understanding what measure need to be introduced to ensure we meet future recycling targets,” said Steve Gough, chief executive of Valpak, the project’s creator.

“In addition, by identifying areas of best practice, PackFlow will enable others to share good ideas and work towards achieving these targets as a whole.”

Companies and organisations such as WRAP, British Glass, Recoup and Corus Steel Packaging Recycling are all supporting the project.

Mr Gough confirmed that the project had received a positive response from the industry, which was keen to get involved.

“Packaging waste, household recovery and recycling targets are becoming tougher than ever,” he said, “and the best way to meet them is for all sections of the industry to work together to a common goal.”

The initial findings from the PackFlow project are expected to go before government early next year.

By Jane Kettle

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