Resource Association to close at end of 2019

This decision has been taken in the context of changing priorities for its members which, at a time of economic uncertainty, have less demand for the cross-sectoral policy work that has characterised the role of the Association since its inception.

Established in 2011, the Resource Association has represented collective interests across the whole secondary materials supply chain, collaborating with local authorities, collection and recycling companies, reprocessors and packaging producers.

Over the past eight years, the organisation has championed the economic and environmental benefits of high-quality recycling. This has included the development of an End Destinations Charter to encourage transparency about what happens to recyclables after they have been collected, as well as the development of the Recycling Quality Information Point (ReQIP), which sets out quality guidelines for processing recyclables in the UK.

A real legacy

Ecosurety head of policy, Robbie Staniforth, commented "We have always been great admirers of the Resource Association’s work and were delighted to be invited to join as the only producer compliance scheme member in 2017. We continue to share the belief that material quality and end destination transparency is a vital part of supporting growth in recycling and a transition to a circular economy."

"Many of the issues discussed in Defra’s recent strategy stands as testament to the associations work. The End Destinations of Recycling Charter is a real legacy that we hope the industry continues to support. While we understand and support the decision taken to close, there is still much work to be done to ensure a better and fairer system of producer responsibility is implemented in the UK.”

Exploring opportunities to pass on the baton

Commenting on the decision, Chief Executive Ray Georgeson said ”It is with a heavy heart that we make this announcement today, but the time is right for us to close the Association. We are currently exploring opportunities to pass on the baton for some of our activities to strategic partners in the resources industry."

“Speaking on behalf of the members, I know we can be proud of the work we produced in eight years of activity and the influence we have had on the agenda around material quality, transparency and circular economy thinking. We are encouraged that many of the key objectives identified when we founded the Resource Association are now present in Defra’s recent Resources and Waste Strategy, as well as in the policies of the Devolved Governments."

“I would like to thank all our members and associates for their extraordinary support and fellowship as we have pursued an agenda focused on achieving the best environmental outcomes for waste resources."

"Finally, I want to say a special thanks to Andy Doran, our founding Chairman for his unstinting support throughout and to Carole Saul who has done a quietly magnificent job of managing our administration and events from the very early days.”

To find out more about our partnerships with industry organisations, please click here.

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