MPA has welcomed the 'From waste to resource productivity' report, which was published by the former Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Mark Walport on 14th December 2017.

Bringing together evidence on waste from a range of industry, academic and government sources, and co-authored by Professor Ian Boyd, the Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the report explores how we can treat waste as a valuable resource and use new technology and approaches to get the most from it in the UK.

The report is accompanied by a case study report that brings together evidence and opinions from a range of stakeholders, including a study from MPA's Dr. Richard Leese and Dr. Rebecca Hooper regarding co-processing waste in cement.

This document is not a statement of government policy, but it is the first Government report to reference co-processed recycling of waste derived fuels and raw materials and considers the value of waste.  

Dr Richard Leese, MPA's Director of Industrial Policy, Energy and Climate Change, said:

"UK cement manufacturers recycle 1.5Mt of waste and by-products annually. Government scientists have finally acknowledged the important recycling that the cement industry provides for UK society."

"This report is important recognition of the valuable recycling and energy recovery that the UK cement industry provides through a unique process called co-processing. Co-processing takes materials low down in the value chain, combines them with natural minerals to create a cement product that is essential for society. It does this without creating new wastes for society to deal with."

"This is the first time that co-processing, which involves the simultaneous recovery of energy, minerals and metals from wastes, has been recognised by Government scientists. The next step will be for Government to account for this societal benefit in its official recycling statistics."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

• The views expressed do not represent those of the GCSA, Defra's Chief Scientific Adviser or the UK government.