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| Recycling Chiefs Tackle ‘Stockpiling’ Fears One of the country's foremost authorities on recycling will outline plans to tackle the slump in demand for Irish recyclate when he delivers a keynote speech at easyFairs PACKAGING IRELAND next month. Ireland exports 80 per cent of its recyclable material, with only a fifth manufactured for re-use at home – and a global slump in demand, sparked by the recession, has led to fears of bottle, can and paper mountains being created. However, Bill Nolan – Collections Director at Irish recycling body Repak – says the country is actively seeking new markets for its recyclate and pushing the EU for measures that will help protect export-reliant states like Ireland. "The recession has dramatically reduced demand and caused a crisis for Ireland and other states that are reliant on export markets, " said Mr Nolan, who delivers his talk End Markets and the Recycling Crisis at the RDS on Thursday June 18. "Plastics, paper, and particularly steel cans, have been badly affected and we've been forced to stockpile some material. "We've had to try and find other markets closer to home, in Europe, as demand from Asia has slumped. And we're also working with other European recycling bodies to push for legislation that will insist public projects use more recyclate, such as glass acting as an aggregate replacement, and financial incentives for paper mills to use recycled rather than virgin paper." Around three-quarters of Ireland's households are now served by a door-to-door recyclate collection scheme, whilst there is a one public collection point per 2,000 head of population. Bill added: "The problem is we can't simply turn off the recyclate tap, reducing the supply of recyclable materials, after working so hard to instill a culture of eco-awareness and recycling among the public." For a full itinerary of the easyFairs PACKAGING IRELAND seminar programme, or to register to attend for free, go to www.easyfairs.com/packagingireland. Increasing use of recycled materials in food and drink packaging has resulted in strict new, and pending, EU legislation to prevent contamination – details of which will be presented by Dr Bernard Hegarty, from Ireland's Food Safety Authority, in another keynote delivery at easyFairs PACKAGING IRELAND. "Food packaging usually protects food in the supply chain against contaminants, " said Dr Hegarty, "but packaging itself can contaminate food. Earlier this year there was a major recall of a cereal brand after printing ink migrated through the cardboard and interior bag onto the contents. "The packaging industry is very innovative with brands striving for new materials to prolong shelf-life, being encouraged to use more recycled packaging, and trying creative designs to attract consumers. "As a result, legislation is getting tougher – and we're seeing more enquiries from packaging companies keen to ensure the packaging they supply to food companies don't compromise food safety." The inaugural 17-18 June easyFairs PACKAGING IRELAND will showcase new packaging design, eco-friendly materials and sustainable solutions – with additional focus on machinery, printing systems, and converting technology – in a variety of sectors ranging from food & drink to cosmetics, chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Elsewhere, another notable presentation comes from Enterprise Ireland's packaging specialist Hugh Stevens. His seminar Packaging Optimisation – from Design to Delivery explains how to manage an effective packaging strategy, highlight common brand mistakes, and look at new packaging trends. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Exhibition News :: home page |