The Welsh branch of the Waste and Resources Action Programme, WRAP Cymru, is offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Wales a support package of up to £60,000 to help ‘reduce material costs and avoid the risks associated with resource insecurity’.
The funding and advice package follows on from a 2012 survey by manufacturers’ organisation EEF, which found that more than 80 per cent of manufacturing industry CEOs believe that material shortage poses a risk to their business.
According to WRAP Cymru, real commodity prices have increased by 147 per cent since 2000 and so looking to use more recycled content in products and packaging would not only be more sustainable, but also ‘good business sense’.
The new WRAP package consists of both consultancy advice and cash support.
Up to £10,000 of consultancy support is available to SMEs that have fewer than 250 employees (and a turnover of no more than €50 million) and wish to use or increase recycled content in their products or packaging. The consultancy fees are covered by £320,000 of Welsh Government funding.
SMEs in Wales’s Convergence Region (North West Wales, West Wales and the South Wales Valleys) that need to buy new equipment so that they can begin using/increase the amount of recycled content they use, are also eligible for a grant that covers 40 per cent of the equipment costs (up to a maximum of £50,000). The capital comes from WRAP Cymru’s ARID programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund via the Welsh Government.
Target materials include plastics, paper, card, textiles and non-ferrous metals (WEEE).
‘Substantial cost savings’
WRAP Cymru Business and Markets Manager, Susan Jay, said: “Using recycled content rather than virgin materials can significantly cut a manufacturer’s costs. If you’ve ever wondered whether your business would benefit, now is your time to find out.
“We’re looking for at least 10 businesses to receive consultancy support before the end of March, with more in the new financial year. It’s a great opportunity for you to find out how much you could save and get 2013 off to a great start.”
Environment and Sustainable Development Minister, John Griffiths, added: “This funding is an important part of our efforts to work with businesses towards achieving a zero waste society in Wales.
“More and more private-sector companies are recognising that there are real benefits to operating in a more sustainable way. By using recycled materials, businesses can make substantial cost savings, as well as benefitting the environment.
“It is important that recycled material is seen as a valuable resource which can ensure continuity in the supply of raw materials and greatly benefit businesses in Wales.”
The project will run to October 2014 and aims to replace over 20,000 tonnes of virgin materials with recycled material. It is hoped the project will prevent the generation of 35,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Read more about WRAP Cymru’s SME fund for recycled content.
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