2022 packaging targets met but with vastly reduced carry out

Aluminium missed its recycling target in 2022 by almost 4%. Aluminium continues to be a packaging material of choice for consumers. In response brand owners are switching away from plastic and glass into aluminium, therefore we have seen continued pressure on aluminium PRNs into Q1 2023.

Glass - High risk

Glass recycling volumes in Q4 were not as high as Q3 but were still strong. Glass remelt needed to perform well to make up for the shortfall in glass aggregate. The challenges in glass aggregate have continued into Q1 2023 with low volumes and high PRN prices.

Plastic - High risk

Plastic recycling has missed its in year target for the last three consecutive years. The 2022 Q4 figures showed that with high PRN prices the industry could produce enough PRNs in a quarter. The year end PRN prices were very high as compliance schemes needed the final PRNs in order to close the year.

Steel - Medium risk

Steel volumes in Q4 continued to be suppressed due to operational challenges. We have continued to see this in Q1 2023, however rising PRN prices are likely to support export which should ensure steel recycling picks up. Steel is also a declining packaging material, and we therefore can envisage a reduction in obligation in 2023, beyond that caused by the cost-of-living challenges at the end of 2022.

Paper - Medium risk

Paper recycling had seen good recovery in Q3 and this was continued in Q4. However, the high levels of recycling were supported by high PRN prices. Prices will need to remain high in 2023 as OCC prices fall and demand for post-consumer packaging is falling due to an overall drop in consumer spending. Assuming the paper PRN prices remain stable, the market will be reliant on the monthly data to ensure the UK is on track to meet the overall general recycling target.

Wood - Low risk

Wood is performing very well against its recycling target. There is additional pressure on ensuring volumes remain high as wood is heavily relied on to meet the overall general recycling target. The PRN price will track against the paper PRN prices as both materials will be used to meet general recycling.

Looking ahead

Ecosurety will continue to communicate the changes in the PRN market throughout the year. Whilst the 2022 Q4 numbers are not ideal, all PRN prices will remain high to support the supply chain, this is required for stronger supply data in 2023. Only a significant reduction in obligation can bring reduce pressure on reprocesses to perform.

Ecosurety packaging members can access the interactive PRN market insights dashboard in the Ecosurety Hub website to follow the daily fluctuations in the PRN market per material and view year-to-date average market prices.

If you would like to speak with Ecosurety, please contact us on 0333 4330 370.