The BBPA has welcomed the reduction in the amount of waste glass that must be covered by packing waste recovery notes (PRNs) announced today, from 81 per cent to 75 per cent of glass, which will dramatically reduce the cost of compliance to brewers and pub companies, saving an estimated £15 to £20 million.
The BBPA has been leading industry calls for a lower target, and DEFRA has accepted the case made. The announcement comes in DEFRA’s response to its glass Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) consultation, that was held from December to January.
A PRN is a document that provides evidence waste packaging material has been recycled into a new product, under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007. Notes can be issued by accredited reprocessors; when they have recovered and recycled a tonne of packaging material; these are then sold to the companies with the obligation.
The glass target will increase to 76 per cent in 2015 and 77 per cent in 2016 and 2017 to support recycling infrastructure. The re-melt to aggregate split will be 65:35 per cent in 2014, increasing to 67:33 per cent in 2016.
Although this requires a change in legislation (which will not happen until Autumn 2014), the Environment Agency will publish a Regulatory Position Statement shortly, outlining that businesses are only obligated to achieve the 75 per cent target in 2014 – there will be no enforcement for not meeting the current regulatory target of 81 per cent.
DEFRA estimates that these changes will bring the price of PRNs down to £22.50 for aggregate and £31.70 for remelt per tonne in each of the years 2014-17. The price has recently been in excess of £70 per tonne.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments:
“The industry has a strong record in reducing glass use, and promoting recycling. Through PRNs the industry has also funded substantial investment in the UK’s waste infrastructure. This new target gives a more accurate assessment of the amount of glass on the market. This is a very positive outcome that we estimate will save the brewing and pub sector between £15 to £20 million.”
For further information please contact:
David Wilson: Public Affairs Director Tel: 020 7627 9151
Neil Williams, Head of Media Tel: (020) 7627 9156 / 07974 249 779
Gareth Barrett, Public Affairs Officer Tel: (020) 7627 9154
Notes to editors:
The British Beer & Pub Association is the UK’s leading organisation representing the brewing and pub sector. Its members account for 96 per cent of the beer brewed in the UK and own half of Britain’s 50,000 pubs.
Neil Williams
Head of Media
British Beer & Pub Association
020 7627 9156
07974 249 779