Plastics group hails China’s heightened scrap import regulations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The British Plastics Federation Recycling Group (BPFRG) has applauded the new regulations imposed by the Chinese General Administration of Customs (GAC) on scrap exported to China. Incidentally, China had recently stepped up the inspection procedures on scrap containers arriving Chinese ports, as part of the new initiative named ‘National Sword 2017’.

According to press release issued by BPFRG, the new regulation would help to increase the quality of sorting techniques, employed by facilities. Many recycling companies will have to focus on spending additional resources in improving the sorting quality. The new standards will not only ensure the availability of quality materials to domestic buyers, but also will help to create a level-playing field, thereby promoting healthy competition among processors worldwide. The Recycling group noted that the new standards must be made applicable across all sections of the recycling industry, including packaging, WEEE, end-of-life vehicles and construction.

Meantime, BPFRG also noted that the Chinese regulations reminds the UK plastics recycling sector of the importance of not relying entirely on exports for end markets for plastic scrap. The industry must seek to develop sustainable markets within the UK, which in turn would ensure availability of materials to UK-based manufacturers. The tightening of import regulations by customs authorities and stricter monitoring of recycling facilities within the country by Chinese administration may diminish the market for UK plastics recycling within China, the Federation noted.

Meantime, a survey on UK Plastics Industry business conditions, carried out during the month of January this year, found 78% predicting an increase in sales turnover over the next 12 months, rising significantly from 51% recorded during the previous survey. Out of this, 5% predicted sales turnover growth in excess of 20%, 14% predicted growth in between 10% and 20%, 34% predicted 5-10% growth and 21% predicted growth of less than 5%. Only 7% of respondents predicted no change to the conditions, whereas the remaining 15% who predicted decrease in sales turnover cited Brexit uncertainties and polymer prices as the key factors.

An overwhelming 63% of BPF survey participants including plastics processors, recyclers, raw material producers and distributors predicted growth in export sales over the next twelve months. 36% predicted the export sales to remain the same, whereas only 1% predicted decrease. According to the survey, the weakness of the GBP was found to be the main driving force behind rise in exports.

The BPF Recycling Group is the representative body for UK plastic recyclers.  Formerly an independent, but affiliated organization, the ‘BPF Recycling Council’ officially became the BPF Recycling Group on the 4th January 2011 and is now a stand-alone membership group within the British Plastics Federation.  The Group is made up of companies at the forefront of UK plastics recycling and includes plastics reprocessors, waste management companies, distributors/traders, consultants and other relevant organizations such as government bodies and academic institutions.