In a joint letter sent to ministers including Mary Creagh, more than 20 organisations representing recyclers, compliance schemes and packaging recovery businesses urged government to retain the PRN mechanism, describing it as “the sole UK Government policy that supports recycling of materials”.
The letter alleges that the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and British Retail Consortium (BRC) have called for the PRN system to be removed.
The issue emerged after a newsletter circulated by INCPEN suggested that the PRN system could come to an end after 2026.
The suggestion has prompted concern within the recycling sector as INCPEN is also a founding member of the UK Packaging PRO, the producer responsibility body announced in March to oversee pEPR and backed by around food brands, retailers and trade associations including the FDF.
Signatories argued that abolishing the system would lead to “an instant collapse in recycling businesses” and threaten “productive and sustainable jobs” within the UK’s circular economy.
Signatories include representatives from The Recycling Association (TRA), Environmental Services Association (ESA), Conference of Paper Industries (CPI), Wood Recycler’s Association (WRA), ALUPRO, and British Glass.
PRNs ‘vital’ for recycling investment
Industry figures said the PRN system has underpinned investment in UK recycling infrastructure for almost three decades by ensuring producers contribute towards the cost of recycling packaging waste.
The letter stated that support from PRNs has already helped fund paper mill infrastructure and warned that future investment in plastics and glass recycling capacity could be jeopardised without continued backing.
It added that several plastics reprocessors have already been forced to close facilities in recent years despite PRN support remaining in place, illustrating the fragile state of the sector amid difficult global market conditions.
Signatories also pointed to wider economic pressures affecting the industry, including higher energy and transport costs linked to geopolitical instability and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
While it acknowledged that the system is not perfect, the signatories said they have been working with Defra officials on reforms designed to strengthen and modernise the PRN regime.
However, they warned government against pursuing “short-term cost-cutting measures” which they believe would undermine the UK’s ability to meet future packaging recycling targets and compete with growing investment in recycling infrastructure across the European Union.
The letter concludes by urging ministers to retain the PRN system “for the sake of both the economy and circular economy.”
Register for free to comment