Packaging data confirms challenge for aluminium

Obligation data indicating the amount of packaging waste producers will have to recycle in 2015 has confirmed there could be a challenge in meeting demand for aluminium PRNs.

The figures – which are subject to change as more producers submit market data – have been published by the Environment Agency and are available on the National Packing Waste Database.

The data suggests that once aluminium tonnages carried over from 2014 are taken into account, reprocessors will have to recycle 68,119 tonnes of aluminium packaging in 2015.

When compared to the performance in the first quarter of 2015, when 14,956 tonnes was recycled (22% of the obligation), this means that performance in the remaining quarters will have to improve in order for the target to be met.

Some industry experts have claimed the shortfall is due to the removal of the aluminium protocols following criticism that the amount of packaging content in specific grades of material such as ‘old rolled’ aluminium was much lower than originally thought. However, PRNs on aluminium from incinerator bottom ash (IBA)can be claimed – although tonnages for this material have not been forthcoming.

Commenting on the figures, Duncan Simpson, director of sales and marketing at packaging compliance business Valpak, said the obligation numbers appeared to be roughly be in line with expectations.

He said: “We do believe that there are some late registrants to report still. In terms of numbers registering, the total is down by about 230 companies which can be as a result of liquidations, mergers and acquisitions. But, we normally get some more back in across the year from free riding and late registrations.”

Phil Conran, director of 360 Environmental and chair of the Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP), agreed that the amount of aluminium packaging needed was “concerning”.

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