July 12, 2010 (Press Release) - The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has written to selected Members of Parliament (MPs) to highlight the key priorities for the UK papermaking industry.

CPI is calling on MPs to:

• put the health of UK manufacturing at the heart of all government policy
• develop an energy strategy that will deliver secure supplies and at internationally competitive prices
• take a more proportional approach in achievement of Climate Change goals
• remove the myriad of complex and overlapping legislation
• improve Capital Allowances for projects aimed at energy/carbon/water use reduction or improvements to our recycling infrastructure
• put quality at the heart of the UK's waste strategies
• recognize the pivotal and positive role that packaging plays in the supply chain
• support rigorous sustainability criteria to biomass generation
• encourage industry apprenticeships.

MPs with CPI members located in their constituencies and many of whom have been newly elected, were also invited to visit member plants to see industry first hand. This builds on CPI's work with MPs, including its annual Corrugated Sector MP Reception and the release of its 2009 Policy Document.

David Workman, CPI Director General, commented: “It's now widely recognized that a balanced economy is essential if we're to prosper in the future. The paper industry does not seek special treatment, but it does look to government to create the level playing field that will be needed if we are to retain and grow paper production in the UK. There is no environmental, economic or social benefit to be had from compelling it to off-shore.”

About CPI
CPI is the voice of the paper industry in the UK, representing papermakers, tissue manufacturers, corrugated packaging producers and recovered paper merchants.

CPI represents 75 member companies, with a combined annual turnover of £ 4 billion and 24,500 personnel.

SOURCE: CPI