RECOUP calls for changes to Packaging Recovery Note system

The U.K. Environment Agency has released packaging recycling data for the third quarter of 2015, as tracked by the National Packaging Waste Database.

The provisional data shows that around 200,000 metric tons of plastics packaging were recycled in the third quarter, the agency reports. Of this amount, 79,000 metric tons of plastics were recycled in the U.K., while around 121,000 metric tons were exported for recycling. Several plastics reprocessors and exporters are expected to report their quarterly data, so the figures are expected to be revised.

In response to the announcement, the U.K.-based organization RECOUP issued a statement noting that the provisional third quarter data shows a decline from the previous quarter. Therefore, the association says, an analysis of the figures casts doubt on the achievability of reaching the 2015 recycling target.

"The unnecessary annual game of plastic PRN poker between the sellers and buyers will commence now [that] Quarter three data has been published," says Stuart Foster, CEO of RECOUP.

The association in its statement also outlines a number of suggested changes to the current Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system.

Among the suggestions set forth by RECOUP is introducing a mechanism to enable more stable short term prices, and considering the use of a default minimum value for plastic PRNs for 2016 and 2017.

In addition, RECOUP says that because large reprocessors have the ability to impact the value of PRNs, based on the movement or holding of significant tonnages of stocks, that PRN value impacts should be mitigated.

RECOUP also says that exported material should follow a transparent and auditable route to better understand export markets, and that a review of the current approved categories for PRN spending is needed.