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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  WRAP Publishes China Market Update

WRAP Publishes China Market Update

23 March 2011

WRAP has published its latest Chinese market situation report, The Chinese markets for recovered paper and plastics - an update. The latest release builds on the 2009 report of Chinese market situation, and reveals continuing strong Chinese demand for recovered paper and plastics, which is leading to a growing impetus for Chinese domestic collections.

The report observes significant changes in the market since 2009, in the direct aftermath of the 2008 market downturn. The present update throws light on China's current position as the single largest destination for UK exports of recovered plastics and paper, based on the steep increase in the percentage exports. Over the past ten years, China's share of UK exports of recovered paper has risen from less than 10% to 61%, with the market for recovered plastics also doing exceedingly well, growing from 60% in 2000 to 88% in 2010. The update arrived at these figures by taking into account trends in demand, prices and the balance between imported and domestically recovered material.

Even though the assessment foresees continued increase in demand over the next five years, with imports expected to remain an important part of China's supply of recovered materials, the investigation also notes a growing trend in Chinese market tapping into its own resources of domestically recovered materials, on path to becoming more self reliant.

Marcus Gover, director, WRAP, said: "Building upon our previous data and intelligence, this investigation of Chinese markets reveals that China is still open for business to UK exports. However, what is clear to me is the need to think one step ahead and ensure UK materials remain competitive."

Speaking of the need for the UK market to be prepared and being a step ahead, he said: "As part of planning ahead I think there is an opportunity to continue to drive to keep increasing UK demand: plants like the new Biffa Mixed Plastics site in Redcar, part funded by WRAP, will go some way towards providing a balanced portfolio of end-markets for UK materials whilst promoting job growth in the UK.

"Quality remains a key issue at home and for the UK's overseas markets, and if China has access to quality materials closer to home we have to make sure that UK exports are also of excellent quality."

Krishna Buddhiraju