PRNs – packaging waste recovery notes – are currently issued by accredited reprocessors. In the case of steel cans, Corus is a major UK issuer and does not consider that metal recyclers should be allowed to issue them.
In contrast the UK’s largest metal recycler, European Metal Recycling, has argued that it is entitled to do so, claiming it is actually recycling the material.
Valpak is thought to have opted to support the Corus argument which is that there should be no change to the current system. Even though EMR – through Mayer Parry Recycling which it bought earlier this year -has won concessions over the definition of waste, Corus is understood to take the view that this is a separate issue to that of who can issue PRNs.
The debate over PRNs will also be aired within the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions tomorrow when the Recycling Industries Alliance meets with senior civil servants.
The Alliance believes that the current PRN system prejudices the role of smaller companies who cannot compete on level terms with larger businesses which have easier access to PRNs.
High Court and Environment Department hear PRN arguments
Corus – formerly British Steel – and packaging compliance scheme Valpak are in London’s High Court today giving evidence in the ongoing court moves over who should be allowed to issue PRNs.
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