On Tuesday 15th March 2011, The Environment Exchange (t2e) officially launched the UK's first online Recovered Paper Marketplace for Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC) and Old Newspaper and Pamphlets (ONP) at The Paper Trail's Frogmore Paper Mill.

The day was well attended by delegates from paper mills, paper merchants, local press, and waste management schemes, as well as some of those involved in setting up the marketplace. After an informative presentation from The Paper Trail's Chair of Trustees, Jacky Bennett, who talked the audience through the good work carried out at the centre, Angus Macpherson, t2e managing director, went on to present the new marketplace. He explained how the market functions and what benefits it can to bring to the industry in terms of quality and price transparency.

Mr Macpherson was delighted to announce the founding members of the new marketplace and thank them for their support at this key beginning stage. The founding members include Aylesford Newsprint, Cyclelink UK, Elsa Waste Paper Ltd, International Recovered Paper Ltd, Loop Recycling, Mark Lyndon BV, Palm Recycling Ltd, and Reliance Fibres. He stated that "it is a great opportunity for industry, particularly now at a time when we are seeing a clear political shift from a waste industry to a resource industry, a growing scarcity of primary resources, and a growing acceptance of raw material commodity standards and internet trading." He added that "the ball was now in industry's court to come into the market and start trading".

The marketplace went live at 1pm with bids totalling 3,610 tonnes and a price spread of between £120 and £135/tonne.

Commenting on the new venture, Tracey Cowley from International Recovered Paper Ltd said "It was good to see some familiar faces at the launch and to hear more about the new Recovered Paper Market. I wish t2e every success in this new venture and look forward to being a part of it!"

Chair of Trustees at The Paper Trail Jacky Bennett added 'As well as being about preserving the history of paper making, The Paper Trail is also about promoting the future of the industry, which is why it was such an honour to host the launch of t2e's Recovered Paper marketplace".

For further information on the marketplace and to sign up contact Andy Hanke (ah@t2e.co.uk) on 0131 473 2337. If you are not a member of the Recovered Paper Market, you can view the demonstration site via www.t2e.co.uk.