Towards the end of 2013, DEFRA launched a consultation to review the packaging recycling target for glass
The packaging recycling target for glass was previously set at 81%. ecosurety provided feedback during the consultation, explaining that we would like the target to be lowered, so that it reduces the cost of compliance for our members.
The ecosurety team have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of the 2014 target and we now have confirmation that the target for 2014 has been amended to 75%, with an increase in the remelt PRN target to 65%, from 63% in 2013. (This means that producers’ total glass obligations will decrease overall and at least 65% of PRNs have to be purchased via remelt.)
The targets will be increasing by 1% each year moving forwards, meaning that the overall recycling target will be 76% in 2015 and 77% in 2016. The remelt target will be increased to 66% in 2015 and 67% in 2016.
We are pleased with this outcome overall, as it is lowering our members’ obligations and we are hoping it will remove some of the pressure on the PRN market. Shortage in supply of PRNs over the past two years has meant that the market has been turbulent and we have seen prices remain consistently high.
There are still other factors which may impact the PRN pricing during 2014, but we feel that this is a positive step towards removing some of the volatility in the market. The ecosurety team will be working closely with our members to provide further information about how this will affect your obligations. As always, we are confident that our pricing will remain competitive against other schemes and the market average throughout the year.
If you would like any further information about how the changes will affect your business, please email info@ecosurety.com or call us on 0845 094 2228.

James Piper
Non-executive director
James Piper is a non-executive director of Ecosurety, having previously taken on the role of CEO for nearly five years when he was now focused on leading the development of new products and services that not only benefited producers, but helped to drive change for good and a positive impact on UK recycling.

Useful links
On 22 November, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted in favour of a position paper concerning EU-wide rules aiming to increase the reuse and recycling of packaging.
Read More >>The UK’s largest flexible plastic household collection and recycling pilot, FPF FlexCollect expands into two new local authorities – Reading Borough Council and North Hertfordshire Council.
Read More >>Every year the four devolved nations set packaging waste recycling targets that inform the amount of recycling evidence – or PRN/PeRNs – producers buy to fulfil their obligations.
Read More >>