Around 10 million tonnes of packaging waste arises in the UK each year, with almost half used to package household goods, making it a relatively small but visible part of the waste stream.

Since the introduction of the Packaging Waste Regulations, which came into force in 1997 and saw targets set for the first time in 1998, producers have been obligated to pay towards packaging recycling by buying evidence, known as Packaging Waste Recycling Notes (PRNs), from reprocessors.

The PRN system helped to increase the UK's packaging recycling and recovery rates to 59% in 2007, helping it to reach goals set under the European Union Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste.

Packaging producers have also helped to reduce packaging through voluntary initiatives such as the Courtauld Commitment, which sets targets for retailers to reduce packaging and food waste and has already led to zero growth in packaging waste in 2008.

However, some councils and members of the public claim that packaging waste is still “excessive”, claiming that producers should pay more and make more effort to tackle it.

In July 2008, the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit (PMSU) report, ‘Food matters’, recommended that Defra and BERR carry out a review of packaging strategy and the two departments have taken this as an opportunity to look at the broader packaging landscape – taking onboard issues such as the carbon agenda.

They are currently compiling a document laying out their intentions, which is expected to be published in early 2009.

letsrecycle.com brings experienced and expert analysis of the packaging waste sector and will closely follow developments this year.

Click on the links to find out more about the packaging waste regulations today plus access the Environment Agency's list of accredited reprocessors and the letsrecycle list of compliance schemes.