Proposals are well advanced on the formation of a new industry body to self manage office paper waste and head-off government regulation on how these products are disposed.

Printing Industries Association of Australia has been co-ordinating this initiative over the past 18 months. A meeting in Melbourne on 30 January endorsed formation of the body to be known as the Printing and Writing Paper Stewardship Association.

Stakeholder financing is currently being finalised. Key industry stakeholders cover the value chain including printing, paper supply and digital print equipment manufacturing.  

This Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) association comes in response to the NSW Government's decision to label Office Paper as a waste of concern.

In a recent report released by the NSW Government the Minister for the Environment, Mr Bob Debus, said that office paper had been elevated from a low priority waste to a high priority waste. 'Office Paper' is defined by the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation as comprising all paper products with the exception of tissues and cardboard.

Moves by the NSW Government to regulate disposal are likely to be replicated in all other states.

A voluntary industry scheme will minimise the impact on participating organisations. Completion of funding will enable appointment of a CEO to run the association.

Finalisation of financial pledges from other stakeholders including paper importers is underway and expected to be completed by the end of February 2006. Once the CEO has been appointed the association will work with Printing Industries and the stakeholders to draft a detailed product stewardship plan for presentation to the NSW Government by October 2006. 

Printing Industries CEO, Philip Andersen, praised the initiative and the co-operation of stakeholders.

For more information about Extended Producer Responsibility contact Hagop Tchamkertenian hagop@printnet.com.au