UK recycling sector resists efforts to abolish current system of Packaging Recycling Notes
The Packaging Scheme Forum (PSF) has launched a new campaign to protect and modernise the UK’s existing packaging recycling system, warning against scrapping Packaging Recycling Notes (PRNs).
Without a feasible replacement, PSF stated, wholesale reform on the level proposed by the food and drink sector would be a “reckless gamble with Britain’s recycling industry”.
The launch of Keep Packaging Recycling Working comes as supermarkets and manufacturers reportedly join forces ahead of the Budget to demand an end to the PRN system.
The PSF represents 13 of the 15 existing compliance scheme operators and it highlighted the role of the current system in helping the UK consistently meet its statutory packaging recycling targets over the last 30 years.
While acknowledging certain areas for improvement, it warned that wholesale reform on the level proposed by the food and drink sector would be a “reckless gamble with Britain’s recycling industry”.
George Atkinson, chair of the PSF, commented: “To clarify, those calling PRNs a plastic ‘tax’ are overlooking what they actually do and the materials the system ensures environmentally-positive outcomes for. Removing PRNs without a viable alternative in place risks destabilising financial flows into the waste management industry, undermining business and investor confidence and putting critical national infrastructure at risk.”
PRN revenues supported the £1bn redevelopment of the Shotton Mill on Deeside to produce recycled cardboard packaging and tissue paper, the PSF pointed out. Since 1997, it went on, the PRN system had driven UK packaging recycling rates from 27-30 per cent to 70 per cent last year. It currently supports the recycling of around 7.7m tonnes of UK packaging waste every year.
“There is a legitimate debate to be had about how we make the UK’s packaging recycling system work better,” admitted Atkinson. “For example, we support measures to enhance the current system in ways that will improve transparency of how producers’ contributions are reinvested, ensure fair competition between UK reprocessors and exporters and strengthen market confidence.
“But there is a very big difference between improving a system and abolishing it before anybody has demonstrated how its essential functions will be replaced, how different materials would be supported when markets are weak and how value for money for those obligated would be assured.
“It’s also important to note that scrapping PRNs will not remove costs from the system for producers. PRNs power the proven recycling of packaging that’s otherwise uneconomical to recycle. Without them the challenge of recycling enough packaging waste to meet national targets would remain, with a fixed cost system likely to cost producers more than one where the financial stimulus can alter according to the market need.
“Our message to government is straightforward: improve what needs improving, but don’t spend huge sums building and transitioning to an entirely new system for which little evidence of a marked improvement exists.”
