UK recovered paper exports drop off record pace

United Kingdom – As previously reported, recovered paper collection volumes in many parts of Europe were slow to recover after the summer holiday period – partial proof of which has come in the form of latest statistics from the UK’s Confederation of Paper Industries and HM Revenue & Customs.

In totalling just 592 875 tonnes in September, the country’s collections were lower than for any month since August last year when 564 725 tonnes was amassed. UK exports also recorded their lowest total for 13 months in September at 329 966 tonnes, with the result that the country’s overseas shipments are no longer on course to beat the all-time record of 4.88 million tonnes established in 2015.

The export total of 3.624 million tonnes for the first three quarters of the current year was some 701 tonnes short of that recorded for the same period in 2015. UK mills’ consumption of recovered paper was 0.2% lower year on year in September at 266 419 tonnes whereas the nine-month running total showed a decline of 6.7% to 2.326 million tonnes.