The packaging compliance sector has reacted positively to provisional monthly packaging data which has shown that most materials are posting increases in recycling or exports, when compared with last year.
Released by the Environment Agency on 10 June, the data is compiled using monthly submissions to the National Packaging Waste Database, which are optional. The confirmed figures will be published by the Environment Agency later this year.
The figures show that glass, aluminium and plastic have all seen increases from this time last year between May-June, but wood and steel are showing decreases.
Between April and May, paper saw a 50% increase in material recycled or exported when compared with the same period last year, before slowing again the following month.
This table represents the monthly data submitted onto the National Packaging Waste Database (glass rm signifies remelt)
‘Outstanding effort’
Sandeep Attwal, procurement specialist at the compliance scheme Ecosurety, said: “During unprecedented times the data released yesterday shows an outstanding effort by all those involved in our recycling and exporting industry to ensure that post-consumer packaging waste continued through the recycling stream.
“Whilst the supply of PRNs remains remarkably strong the UK demand for PRNs particularly paper, plastic, steel and general recycling has understandably been hit by the very difficult times British companies are facing at this time.”
Wood has seen the steepest decline between May and June, but others have seen sharp increases
While only provisional, the monthly data is seen by some as an indication of how different sectors are being impacted by lockdown restrictions. Other compliance specialists have also said the figures suggest that this year’s targets will be met although concerns remain about the impact of business closures in the commercial and hospitality sector and whether the balance in less material put on the market will balance with obligations.
“The strength of the recycling data has also been reflected in a reduction of PRN prices in some materials”
Surprise
Paul Van Danzig, policy director at the Wastepack Group, said the numbers “continue to surprise” and has said the strength of the data has led to a reduction in PRN prices.
“We have all expected to see a downturn in the numbers as the effects of the lockdown are felt and yet the month on month publication of the recycling data continues to surprise us all and has even shown an increase in recycling in some sectors. The strength of the recycling data has also been reflected in a reduction of PRN prices in some materials. Plastic PRN prices have reduced significantly, which must be welcome news for many obligated producers.
“I think it is important that we all recognise the robustness of our current recycling system, there are not many Producer Responsibility Systems that are flexible enough to cope with these unprecedented times and yet the PRN system has continued to operate successfully, dare I say exceeding most people’s expectations during the pandemic.”
Aluminium
Aluminium was one of the materials causing the most concern for producers last year, with record prices being recorded.
There were fears throughout the year that this could lead to targets not being hit, before they eventually were.
Aluminium saw the sharpest increase when compared with last year(Picture: Shutterstock)
The monthly data for May-June this year has shown a 90% jump from the same period in 2019, which follows on from Q1 data which showed Aluminium was already 30% towards its provisional target.
Commenting on the data, Rick Hindley, executive director at Alupro, said: “The UK’s PRN data for May shows a dramatic increase, both month-on-month and year-on-year, in aluminium packaging recycling rates. Alongside greater public awareness about the benefits of recycling and an increase in the number of companies – including incinerator bottom ash processors – accredited for reprocessing, impressive rates can be attributed to the COVID-19 lockdown and resulting increase in household recycling volumes.
“With PRNs already raised for more than 57,000 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2020, the future looks hugely optimistic. If recycling rates continue to remain high and local authority collections continue to operate as normal, I am confident that we will once again surpass annual targets.”
Q1
The monthly data comes about a month after official data for the first quarter of 2020 (Jan-Mar) was released by the Environment Agency. As outlined below, this shows that all materials were on track to meet targets before lockdown restrictions hit.
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Source: letsrecycle.com Metal
