The UK’s various PackFlow materials reports identify - per type of packaging material - the amount of packaging recycled in the UK. In the past, Valpak, the consulting arm of packaging compliance specialist, has conducted several studies to quantify just how much packaging is placed onto the UK market and recycled.
Now, WRAP, a not for profit organisation that aims to promote the sustainable use of resources and INCPEN, the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment have joined forces with Valpak to update the PackFlow materials reports.
All five PackFlow materials reports covering glass, metal, paper, plastic and wood will be updated as part of the process. One of the focusses of the review will be to examine and assess the impact of COVID-19 on the packaging supply chain, from producer to recycler.
The review will consult across the full spectrum of stakeholders and is intended to be completed by the end of August 2020.
“Widespread participation across all stakeholders is the only way to develop a true picture of these markets, and the potential impact of the way that businesses operate and citizens live their lives,” said WRAP director Peter Maddox.
The findings will help shape policy regarding the system of Plastic Waste Recovery Notes - notes, which packaging producers are required to purchase, either themselves or through a compliance scheme - and related issues, including the need to set business recycling targets for the five materials in 2021 and 2022.
“The impacts of COVID-19 on our communities are tragic and far-reaching,” said Paul Vanston, CEO at INCPEN. “While a sense of perspective is needed in terms of focusing on such things as the PRN system, we do nonetheless need to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the operations of obligated producers and the knock-on consequences for 2021 and 2022.”