Writing in its annual steel packaging recycling report, Corus said that 404,500 tonnes of steel packaging was recycled in the UK in 2007 – 68,000 tonnes of which was recovered via a network of collection hubs, known as the Corus CanRoute system.
This was attributed to improved MRF design, better collection techniques and a greater public awareness of recycling among the public.
As a result of such successful performance across the UK, the company said that it predicted the price of steel recycling evidence – known as PRNs – would remain low, despite challenging targets set by Defra earlier this year, which require the country to jump from a 57.5% UK recycling target in 2007 to a 68% recycling target for 2008, followed by a half percentage point rise for each year up to 2010.
It said: “Steel recycling's success can translate into lower compliance costs for UK businesses. In addition, taking into account the recycling results for 2007 and the targets for 2008-10, we anticipate low PRN prices for the next three years.”
However, far from being complacent, Corus pointed out that, in the future, the UK was likely to face another re-assessment of the Producer Responsibility System, which could lead to wholesale changes, affecting its work as both a raw material producer, reprocessor and major obligated company.
Amidst this uncertainty, Corus is intent upon boosting packaging recycling levels even further – pointing to the 85-90% recycling rate already being achieved in the Netherlands.
In part, the company intends to do this through the use of PRN funds – which in 2006 it used to support 11 materials recycling facilities with new baling, sorting and conveyor equipment, as well as one community project and two local authorities. This included a large baler for Baylis Recycling and recycling bins for schools for East Ayrshire council.
Corus also intends to invest in equipment which will enable it to capture steel from all new and emerging waste management technologies in the UK.
David Williams, manager of Corus Steel Packaging Recycling, said: “With the UK's steel packaging recycling rate having already surpassed the European packaging recycling target of 54% two years early, the challenge now it to continue this momentum through to 2010 and beyond.
“Our priorities are to maintain record recycling levels for steel, and to ensure that as many people as possible recognise that steel is a sustainable, successful and long-term packaging solution.
“The work of our Research and Development Department and the continued strategic application of PRN funds for improving recycling infrastructure and investing in technology to ensure cleaner materials with a minimum ferrous content of 2%, will help to ensure that our previous achievements in this field continue,” he added.
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