RECOUP renews calls for PRN reform

Following the publication of Quarter 3 data showing a drop in plastic recycling figures from the same period last year, plastic recycling organisation RECOUP has called for changes to the packaging recovery note (PRN) system.

Provisional data from Quarter 3 (Q3) 2015 shows that 197,249 tonnes of plastic were recycled, breaking down to 61 per cent being exported, with about 39 per cent staying in the UK for recycling.

Changes to producer responsibility regime

The figures follow the release of responses to a consultation on changes to producer responsibility for batteries and packaging waste, which included views on targets and potential PRN value impacts.

RECOUP is promoting recommendations for further consideration, including:

• considering a default minimum value for plastic PRNs for 2016 and 2017 in an attempt to avert the current boom and bust approach. The expected benefits would include additional confidence in PRN values for producer supply chain budgeting each year, and encouragement for reprocessors and exporters to be registered and accredited every year rather than work outside the system when PRN values are low;

·      instituting a mechanism to restrict the volatility of short-term plastic PRN prices;

·      ensuring that exported material follows a transparent and auditable route that the producers, consumers, local authorities and waste management companies have confidence in;

·      conducting a review of the current approved categories for PRN spending.

Achievability of the 2015 in doubt

RECOUP CEO, Stuart Foster, commented: “As anticipated, the provisional Q3 data shows reported plastic packaging recycling tonnage was down when compared to the previous quarter. It will cast some doubt over the achievability of the 2015 target and almost certainly lead to speculation on further plastic PRN increases to the end of the year.

“The fact that significant PRN tonnage from 2014 year was carried over to 2015 will provide a cushion, but it is almost certain that cushion will not be there for 2016 as plastic packaging recycling targets increase by another 5 per cent. For the benefit of everyone, we need to see some changes to the way the current system works.”

Find out about RECOUP.