EXPORT OF PLASTIC WASTE TO CHINA KEEPS ON GROWING

Over the past five years, the export of plastic waste from Europe to the Far East has grown explosively. Since the beginning of August, the Chinese government has changed its policy to allow more waste of PVC, PET bottles and CD-ROM remnants, among others. European recycling companies are sounding the alarm.

Their competitors in China and Hong Kong recycle at lower costs, making the export of plastic waste attractive. Between 2000 and 2008, exports grew by 250% to a total of 2.27 million tonnes, the EuPR, the European representative organisation of plastic recycling companies, announced. Some 87 per cent of plastic waste exports go to China and Hong Kong. Growth is also continuing this year. The first quarter of 2009 showed financial growth in exports of 33 per cent. Companies in Europe itself recycle 5 million tonnes of plastic waste per year.

The EuPR is calling for a better and more efficient European collection policy in order to be able to recycle cheaper on our own continent. This is also more environmentally friendly. The entire process of transport and processing in the Far East releases more greenhouse gases than if it were recycled in Europe. For example, recycling 300,000 tonnes of PET bottles in Europe instead of China means a saving of 175,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases per year, according to recent research by Wellman International.

Large share for the Netherlands