Defra confirms packaging targets will not change

The targets might have been changed because they were based on assumptions about how much packaging would be placed on the market this year, which were made before the recession. It was thought that the current economic climate might impact upon packaging levels, and therefore upset their relationship to the targets.

However, ministers have formally agreed that due to a shortage of evidence, the targets will remain the same.

The decision follows a meeting on January 29 between Defra officials and the Government's Advisory Committee on Packaging – which represents packaging producers – at which it is believed that members agreed that there was not enough evidence to make any change (see letsrecycle.com story).

A spokeswoman for Defra told letsrecycle.com: “Based on the analysis of available evidence and the recent recommendation of the Advisory Committee on Packaging, Ministers have agreed to maintain the existing targets for packaging recovery and recycling targets for 2009. Defra will continue to monitor any further market developments.”

Under the packaging waste regulations, businesses in the packaging supply chain which have a turnover of more than £2 million or handle over 50 tonnes of packaging a year must pay towards the recycling and recovery costs of packaging which they place on the market.

Targets for 2008-2009 were set in 2008 and require that 73% of packaging is recovered or recycled in 2009. The target rises to 74% in 2010. There are also targets for individual material streams – wood, plastic, glass, aluminium, steel and paper (see letsercycle.com story).

The minutes from the January 29 ACP meeting are expected to be published shortly.