New survey on Chinese attitudes to buying UK recovered materials

A new survey released recently by Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) reveals a more optimistic outlook for exports of the UK’s recovered paper and plastic to China.

The China Market Sentiment survey among Chinese reprocessors, showed they are likely to continue buying UK materials despite the economic downturn.

The survey was conducted with over 100 paper reprocessors and 100 plastics reprocessors in China.

It revealed the types of materials the Chinese buy as well as what recycled paper and plastics are turned into.

Despite being conducted in the aftermath of the sharp falls in demand and prices from China last autumn, only 8% of paper and 13% of plastics reprocessors questioned were not buying recovered materials.

Most paper reprocessors who were surveyed (73%) recycled old cardboard (OCC), followed by old newspapers and magazines (51%) and mixed papers (36%).

The vast majority of the materials are made into packaging – such as cartons and corrugated boxes.

The plastics reprocessors surveyed mostly reprocessed film (51%), as well as PET bottles (33%) and polypropylene (36%).

These materials were converted into pellets that are made into plastic films, household and electrical goods, textiles and toys.