Newly-released aluminium recycling figures show the aluminium packaging sector has surpassed its 43 per cent recycling goal for 2013, however, the Aluminium Packaging Organisation (Alupro) has voiced concerns over unreported tonnages due to low packaging recovery note (PRN) prices.

The PRN results for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2013 have shown that 70,788 tonnes of aluminium were recovered for recycling over 2013, 12.6 per cent more than the 62,860 tonnes recovered in 2012.

Despite achieving this target however, the Q4 figures show that there is a falling amount of aluminium packaging being collected, with just 13,981 tonnes collected between Jan and March 2014, a decrease from the average of 18,935 tonnes collected in quarters one to three.

Alupro, which represents aluminium packaging producers, brand owners and reprocessors in the UK, says that although it is ‘confident’ the 2014 packaging recycling target (of 46 per cent) can be reached, it is ‘concerned’ that it appears some reprocessors or exporters are choosing not to report tonnage figures.

Indeed, the body argues that the reason behind the falling figure is the result of receiving ‘less than £5-per-tonne’ for PRNs (which companies need to purchase asevidence of recycling). This, it claims, does not provide a ‘significant enough incentive’ for companies to buy PRNs once targets have been met.

Further, Alupro blamed the ‘low’ Q4 PRN value for the fall in the number of reprocessors /exporters choosing to become accredited in 2014, which, it warns, will mean that a ‘significant volume of aluminium packaging’ which is collected for recycling will not be counted towards the 2014 recycling rate.

The organisation added that the PRN system is ‘demonstrating the achievement of targets but is failing as a mechanism to measure ‘true’ recycling performance’.

PRN reform

Commenting on the 2013 results, Executive Director of ALUPRO, Rick Hindley, said: “The aluminium packaging industry is delighted that it has exceeded its target for 2013 as it supports the efforts the sector is undertaking to ensure this valuable material [aluminium] is recovered.

“Last year’s success is a good indicator that 2014’s higher target can be met, or even exceeded, which is great news for the sector, the environment and for the many campaigns and programmes Alupro runs that encourages the recycling of aluminium.

“The Q4 figures, however, should be of concern, showing the PRN measurement system needs examining if it is to work in encouraging reprocessors and exporters to report their tonnage figures, especially if future and ever higher recycling targets are to be met.”

He concluded by saying the PRN measurement system is ‘malfunctioning’ as companies producing and placing packaging onto the market are legally obligated to be part of the system, though recyclers and exporters of packaging are not.

This marks the latest industry call for an overhaul of the PRN system, which some say currently penalise those processing packaging domestically, as exporters can gain packaging export recovery notes (PERNs) for every tonne of waste exported at the point of export, even if it is contaminated. However, domestic recyclers will only receive PRNs for uncontaminated waste at the point of processing.

Alupro acts as a ‘voice on behalf of its members’ on issues of government policy and legislative development. It works to ‘meet the industry’s obligation’ to both achieve and exceed recycling rates for aluminium packaging, currently set for 70 per cent by 2020.

Some of its initiatives include ‘Metal Matters’ a programme that ‘educates householders about metal packaging recycling and motivates them to get involved and recycle more at home’, and ‘Every Can Counts’, a programme that aims to help and encourage people to recycle drinks cans wherever they are.

Find out more about Alupro or read more about the PRN reform argument.