(www.chinapaperonline.com) As part of the 3-year national plan to improve the country’s environment and police compliance of manufacturing industries, China’s Ministry of Ecology & Environment will launch a new round of inspection throughout the country in the 2nd Quarter.
According to informed sources, the new inspection will deepen the drive to prevent and treat pollution on air, soil and water, so as to provide sustainable resources to improve ecology and environment of China. Assisted with new technologies such as enhanced satellite remote sensing, infrared identification, drone, big data and other high-tech applications, the inspection vows to track down key issues until their complete rectification.
To the country’s paper industry, the inspectors will not only verify the paperwork legality of a company’s business operation, but more importantly to inspect and review records of solid and liquid waste treatment as well as waste air ejection. Further, attention will be paid to whether or not solid wastes, especially toxic and harmful waste, are isolated, placed and disposed from normal wastes under clear and well documented rules and regulations.
The recent statement of a Ministry of Ecology and Environment official on the country’s firm position to cut recovered paper imports to zero by the end of 2020 also added weight to the incoming scrutiny. “It is an arrow that has left the bow and cannot be recalled” as described. At the same time, however, the official left room for recycled pulp, which is deemed as “raw materials generated from the processing of solid waste”. They will not be affected by the import ban if they meet China’s standards and do not pose risks to public health or ecological safety, according to the official.