China releases standards for waste paper processing companies 
On Dec. 20, 2021, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology released standards for waste paper processing companies, along with the application form and other relevant forms and documents, which are included in the text of the standards. The standards came into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Companies can now apply and be designated as a “standards-compliant company” if they meet the standards. These standards are intended to guide the development of the waste paper industry in a standardized manner and are not mandatory. The list of standards-compliant companies will be made public by the ministry. Here is an overview of the standards.
Scope
- The standards cover any companies established in China that are involved in waste paper processing.
- Companies manufacturing paper pulp, cardboard or other derivative products from waste paper are not considered paper processing companies and not covered by the standards.
“Waste paper processing” refers to the processes of sorting, screening, cutting, shredding, wrapping and otherwise processing waste paper; transporting processed waste paper as a raw material to manufacturers, including paper manufacturers; and reusing it.
Examples of standards
- Recover at least 95 percent of all materials used in the company
- Utilize at least 95 percent of waste paper and clean at least 98 percent of waste paper
- Establish an energy consumption assessment system
- Keep power consumption in the processing and production systems below 5,000 Wh/t
- Perform environmental protection obligations under the relevant laws and regulations
- Comply with the laws and regulations concerning industrial safety and health as well as social responsibility
The list of standards-compliant companies will be kept updated. Companies on this list must submit a required report to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology by the end of the first quarter of each year.
The full text of the standards (in simplified Chinese) is available at
https://www.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/gg/art/2021/art_a023a9ceddaf4eeca2f3eb5a8cf5c35d.html
