Pallet and packaging manufacturers call for reuse focus

“TIMCON believes that reuse should be encouraged over and above recycling,” said Stuart Hex, TIMCON general secretary. “This is of central importance to move the Uk towards a truly circular economy. If reuse is possible, recycling merely to meet targets is irrational. Keeping a product working and in circulation should be our priority, with recycling taking place only when a product has reached the end of its useful life.”

TIMCON is continuing to lobby the government and devolved governments to consider this when it reviews future packaging waste targets.

“We believe current UK recycling targets, that rise from 43% to 48% this year, are far too high, particularly when compared to the current EU target of 15%,” said Mr Hex.

“Our industry has a fantastic track record in repairing and reusing its products. Only once they have been reused – often many times – do we recycle them into wood chips, animal bedding and other products, or use them as biomass fuel.”

TIMCON is encouraging businesses to make reuse a key part of their sustainability strategies.

“Pallets and other wooden packaging materials absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as trees grow,” said Mr Hex. “Using them for as long as possible and continuing to store that carbon makes perfect sense to help their businesses reduce their carbon footprint further.

“We no longer believe that there is such a thing as a ‘single-trip’ pallet.”