Protocol launched to guard against plastic recycling fraud

The Protocol for Verification of Plastic Packaging Recycling in the UK was drawn up by the government's Advisory Committee on Packaging after Defra's investigation into allegations of fraud within the producer responsibility system for packaging waste.

”I have been very impressed with the attitude within the wood and plastic sectors after the investigation “
– Lord Bach
Defra's investigation into the issue of “inappropriate” PRNs led to an overstatement of reprocessing and exports of at least 34,790 tonnes in 2002 and 80,885 tonnes in 2003.

The new protocol will strengthen the verification of collected plastics delivered to reprocessors for recycling. It will help with the auditing of packaging waste recovery notes (PRNs) – the evidence used to show producer responsibility has been carried out for packaging waste.

In particular, the document will guard against PRNs being sold to producers representing the recycling of non-packaging plastics (which do not fall under producer responsibility) and being issued when no recycling is actually carried out.

Launching the Protocol at an event in London on Tuesday, Lord Bach said: “I have been very impressed with the attitude within the wood and plastic sectors after the investigation, and that they have been working with WRAP to introduce protocols. Today I formally launch this plastic protocol, while the training programme is now beginning for the wood protocol ready for launch later this year.

“Both protocols are voluntary but I would hope that all those in the plastics and wood sector sign up to them,” Lord Bach added.

Principles
The protocol itself includes key principles to abide by and implementation guidelines to help accredited reprocessors comply with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2005.

Developed with the regulatory Agencies and the British Plastics Federation, the principles are based on existing procedures and available guidance, establishing how data must be dealt with, packaging materials identified and PRNs or PERNs (the export equivalent) issued. It includes guidance for suppliers of packaging waste to reprocessors, reprocessors themselves and exporters of packaging waste.

Peter Davis, director general of the BPF and a member of the Protocol Task Force, said: “This Protocol gives clear guidance on processes and procedures for suppliers of waste, reprocessors and exporters. It is important that all BPF members with a packaging obligation to discharge, obtain and study this protocol to ensure they are compliant.”

He added: “Above all, this will add credibility to the industry and increase confidence in the system.”

Defra's investigation into the issuing of PRNs by the paper sector is now nearing to completion and is expected to report back soon.

Lord Bach said: “It is unfortunate that there have to be a number of allegations concerning fraud in the issuing of PRNs, which have meant the need for investigations which began in the wood and then in the plastic sector. The paper investigation is nearing its conclusion soon.”