The Brief
In a report by Paul Sanderson, of Scrap-ex news, the House of Commons have recently set new packaging recycling targets for the period 2013 to 2017. The targets, which will come into effect in January 2013, were backed by MPs following a debate that dissected the Draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2012. The revised regulations are planned to meet and exceed the minimum 60% recycling target set by the European Union Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 2009.
The Targets
Examples of the types of new targets set include:
- Plastic recycling will increase from 32% 2012 to 57% by 2017. - Glass recycling targets will be split between re-melt and overall – 63% re-melt in 2013 to 64% by 2017 with an overall target of 81% by 2017. - Aluminum recycling will increase from 40% in 2012 to 55% by 2017. - Steel recycling will increase from 71% in 2012 to 76% 2017.
Interestingly the recycling targets of wood remains at 22% and paper and card remains at 69.5%. This however does not mean it is an easier target to achieve. The reuse of and recycling of wooden items, especially pallets and transit packaging, mean RPS will be working closely with its clients over the coming years to ensure all wooden packaging items maintain and exceed the current recovery percentages.
In Summary
Overall, the target set enforces our sustainable society and the importance of reusing and recycling our diminishing resources. In 2010, the UK achieved a 67.3% recovery and recycling rate which is expected to reach 72.7% by 2017. These targets are achievable and your business can accomplish and maintain a sustainable and economic company as these targets adjust – see how RPS can help.
