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Aug 2002 Index

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September 2002

A liaison officer for sustainable waste management and recycling has been appointed in Scotland, The Executive announced today.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie described the news as "a turning point for Scottish businesses and their environmental responsibilities".

John Forbes is to be the Scotland Liaison Officer for WRAP – Waste and Resources Action Programme – an organisation receiving £2.1 million over three years as part of a UK-wide programme established to promote sustainable waste management and create markets for recycled materials and products.

Mr Finnie said:
"The Executive sees recycling as a key element of implementation of Scotland’s National Waste Strategy. The development of markets for recycled products and materials in Scotland will be critical to the success of local authorities in implementing Area Waste Plans.

"I am delighted that a Scotland Liaison Officer has now been appointed by WRAP. This will greatly benefit market development efforts in Scotland by further engaging local businesses and the public sector in WRAP’S programmes. This is good news which will assist the implementation of our National Waste Strategy."

Mr Forbes, an award-winning environmental business adviser, joins from the Midlothian Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.

A member of Edinburgh Lord Provost’s Commission on Sustainable Development, he will focus on the effective delivery of the WRAP Business Plan in Scotland through creating and maintaining close links with business development networks, Scottish business and the public sector.

Mr Forbes’ post, which will be based primarily at Executive offices in Edinburgh, will focus on the development of effective relationships within Scotland. He will support WRAP’s programmes in procurement, finance, standards and key material streams, to ensure that they take full account of Scottish developments.

WRAP, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, is supported by DEFRA; DTI; and the devolved administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

It has been established to promote sustainable waste management and to create stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products.

WRAP has laid down targets across eight programmes - five material streams (paper, plastics, glass, wood and aggregates) and three generic areas (Procurement, Financial Mechanisms and Standards and Specifications).

In June 2002, WRAP published its Achievements Report which details the first-year progress made towards the targets set out in its Business Plan.