Q4 2024 Verified Packaging Recycling Data Released
UK meets all 2024 recycling targets, but carry-in figures for 2025 clouded by system transition.
Last week, Defra published the verified Q4 2024 packaging recycling figures, providing final confirmation of the UK’s performance for the 2024 compliance year. The data shows that the UK has successfully met all material recycling obligations.
The only exception was Glass Other (Glass Aggregate), which fell short of its individual target. However, as in previous years (2022 and 2023), surplus volumes of Glass Remelt PRNs were used to cover the shortfall, ensuring the UK’s overall glass obligation was still achieved.
Table 1: UK packaging recycling volumes and UK obligation for the 2024 compliance year
Figure 1: UK packaging recycling percentages versus total UK obligation
While 2024 compliance is confirmed, uncertainty remains regarding the volume of PRNs carried into 2025. This stems largely from the industry’s transition away from the NPWD system to the new RPD (Regulator Packaging Data) platform, introduced under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
During the system changeover, stakeholders were advised not to accept transitional PRNs until they were successfully transferred into the new RPD system. As a result, many PRNs, now likely accepted and recorded in RPD, do not appear in the carry-in figures published by the EA, creating a notable data gap.
This has made it difficult to determine an accurate carry-in tonnage for 2025. However, based on our current understanding, the number of transitional PRNs accepted via RPD may account for a significant portion of what is shown as ‘unaccepted’ in NPWD data.
PRN prices and market pressure has remained relatively stable throughout Q1 2025, likely supported by the potential for increased carry-in. However, several key data releases are set to shape the market outlook moving forward:
- Q1 2025 Recycling Data
- Initial 2025 UK Obligation Figures
Together, these datasets will provide the first meaningful benchmark for supply versus demand in the 2025 compliance year, helping stakeholders gauge the direction of the PRN market under the new EPR framework.
Beyondly Members
For regular updates, webinar recordings, and monthly market insights, be sure to visit the PRN Centre via your member login. And if you have any questions or would like to discuss your compliance strategy, please don't hesitate to contact our Procurement Team:
- ash.c@beyond.ly / 01756 706578
- wayne.g@beyond.ly / 01756 702556
- kai.a@beyond.ly / 01756 702554