A new environmental regulatory body,Printing and Writing Paper Stewardship Association (PAWPSA), has been formed in response to NSW Government demands for businesses to reduce their paper waste PAWPSA will address the issue of office paper usage and disposal in the commercial and industrial environment in NSW, with the view of achieving increased recovery of office papers and usage of the recovered material in accordance with recent government initiatives.
One of the current environmental concerns facing the printing industry is the growing demand for manufacturers to be responsible for the products they produce - from the beginning of the production cycle until the end, known as Extended Producer Responsibility.
As a printing industry partner funded association, PAWPSA will work with Printing Industries to draft a detailed plan for the reduction of paper waste from commercial printing premises. The plan is to be presented to the NSW Government by October 2006.
PAWPSA came into existence following the recent passing of the association’s constitution and the appointment of Former Printing Industries regional manager, Tony Duncan as the organisation’s new CEO.
Also among the key responsibilities of the organisation will be to foster a cohesive industry approach, through collaboration and communication with stakeholders and industry participants and to promote industry standards and specifications on paper usage and wastage.
The volume of recycled paper needed to meet the input requirements of local manufacturers of paper based products and printing businesses will be estimated and evaluated by PAWPSA, and alternative cost effective ways of utilising any excess collection of office paper will be implemented and encouraged by PAWSA.
