China Crackdown Affecting Waste

Recent factory closures and stricter import controls on waste paper and plastics, driven by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), are believed to be having a detrimental impact on the waste product industry.

China has recently been taking radical steps to cut pollution, including closing factories and banning the import of certain grades of plastic and paper scrap, which have reportedly created a blip in demand.

The New York Times described a “crisis” for China’s recycling mills, caused by the blockage in regular supplies, which also means that Chinese manufacturers are facing dwindling stocks of packaging for their export products.

Uniserve Sea freight Director, Steve Ireland, commented “The situation is concerning for the UK waste industry, which has already improved standards. These regulations could mean a need to further improve the quality specifically for China, or to seek alternative markets.”

“As ever, our Global Trade Management team are conversant with the regulations and remain up to date with current requirements, so can assist any waste companies that are having difficulties.”

For further information on how Uniserve can assist, or to find our more about our award winning logistics services, then please call 01708 259400 or email info@ugroup.co.uk.