Most companies find it impractical to meet their packaging waste obligation through their own recycling efforts. With this in mind, the UK created the Packaging Waste Recovery Note (PRN) system, when the EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste was transposed into UK law.
PRNs are otherwise known as certificates of recycling evidence. These certificates/ notes are generated by accredited reprocessors when packaging waste is recycled or recovered. The PRN system enables obligated companies to fund packaging recovery and recycling costs by purchasing the right number of PRNs to match their packaging obligation.
The money used to purchase PRNs is reinvested back into the recycling system to help increase collection and recycling capacity; it also helps to fund the research of end markets. PRNs are an investment tool which ensure that recycling and recovery continues to grow.
PRNs are sold on the open market and can be purchased by obligated companies as evidence to prove that they have met their calculated obligation. PRN purchase can be done directly or through a packaging compliance scheme like Valpak.
Buying PRNs can be a complex process. Fortunately at Valpak our procurement experts can purchase PRNs on your behalf. Long term contracts with accredited reprocessors enable Valpak to buy PRNs in bulk and to secure a good price for our members.
We make sure that any reprocessor that we work with has strong business plans and can demonstrate how funds from PRNs will be invested in recycling. Please refer to the following case studies to find out how PRN investment has developed recycling infrastructure and markets for recycled materials.
Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) can be issued by UK businesses that export waste packaging materials. However, businesses need to certify that these materials are going overseas to be recovered or recycled. The environment agencies will accept PERNs as a form of recycling evidence.
Household consumers do not have any obligations under the Packaging Waste Regulations. Find out how Valpak calculates your packaging obligation.