The United Kingdom's annual import bill could be cut by 4 billion, and 10,000 new jobs be created, by reducing wasteful use of wood and paper, according to new research published today by Friends of the Earth (FOE) [1].

In a new report - entitled 'Out of the Woods' - FOE shows that the UK could, within the next fifteen years, reduce overall levels of paper and timber use by nearly two-thirds (65%), a target necessary to save the world's remaining natural forests [2].

Publication of the report coincides with the start of the most important international meeting on the conservation of the world's forests since the 1992 Earth Summit [3].

Significant savings would come from reductions in the use of paper made from 'virgin' wood fibre, greater paper recycling, and the use of 'non-wood fibres' such as hemp and straw for the manufacture of paper and board. Further major savings could come from reclamation and recycling of timber waste in manufacturing processes (such as furniture making). [A detailed summary of the findings of the report are given in the attached briefing sheet].

'OUT OF THE WOODS' WILL BE PRESENTED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, TO BE HELD AT: 11.00AM, MONDAY APRIL 10TH, ROYAL OVERSEAS LEAGUE, PARK PLACE, ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON SW1. The researchers involved in the study, as well as representatives of enterprises and institutions already taking steps to make more efficient use of wood and paper, will be available for comment [4].

Simon Counsell, Forests Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, said

"As a result of over-consumption of paper and timber, natural forests the world over are severely threatened. Britain can reduce its impact on the world's forests - as well as saving on imports and creating jobs - by drastically cutting paper and timber use."

In the report, Friends of the Earth says that the UK Government should adopt a comprehensive strategy to make more efficient use of wood and paper. Specific recommendations include:

* the introduction of a waste management strategy that includes reduction of waste at source and encourages producers to reduce, reuse and recycle wood and paper products;

* a requirement for Government departments and public bodies to reduce paper intake, set targets for paper sorting and recycling, and use more recycled paper and non-wood fibre products;

* Government should encourage the development of markets for recycled and reused timber products;

* more financial support should be provided to local authorities for recycling facilities, and 'wood/tree stations'.

Specific measures are also detailed for industry and local authorities [see attached briefing for details].

Simon Counsell said

"The UK Government can take some simple steps to help reduce the UK's consumption by the necessary 65%. It could start by getting its own house in order by reducing the amount of paper used in Government departments, and requiring the use of recycled and non- wood fibre products by all public bodies, including the House of Commons".

ENDS

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NOTES TO EDITORS

[1] 'Out of the Woods; Reducing Wood Consumption to Save the World's Forests - A Plan for Action in the UK', Friends of the Earth April 1995, 152pp, 15). The report was commissioned by Friends of the Earth and conducted by a team of independent researchers and consultants, and was part-funded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

[2] The United Kingdom currently uses paper and timber equivalent to 50 million cubic metres of logs annually, 85% of which (in the form of timber, paper, pulp and board) is imported, at a cost of some 6 billion. Per capita consumption of wood and paper is equivalent to nearly 1 cubic metre of logs each year.

According to Friends of the Earth's calculations, per capita consumption would have to be reduced to approximately 0.3 cubic metres annually in order to allow for sustainable production of wood from forests and increased consumption of paper and timber in parts of the world which currently consume less.

[3] The United Nations Commission for Sustainable Development (UNCSD) meets in New York from April 10-28. The UNCSD - set up following the 1992 'United Nations Conference on Environment and Developemt' - will assess information on the present state of the world's forests, and discuss proposals for the establishment of a legally binding international convention on forest conservation and sustainable management.

[4] Speakers at the press launch of the report will include:

- Tony Juniper, Senior Biodiversity and Habitats Campaigner, Friends of the Earth. - Mr Mike Askew, The Richardson Trust - Mr Robert Lukies, Hemcore Ltd - Mr Clive Collins, Hadfield Wood Recyclers Ltd - Mr Bob Roseberry, London Borough of Croydon

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