Trusted, transparent, and UK-led. We purchase more UK recycling evidence than any other UK compliance scheme
We lead UK recycling evidence procurement, offering the most robust and transparent system for sourcing Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs). As the UK’s largest PRN buyer, we deliver trusted recycling evidence through long-term supplier relationships, rigorous audits, and strategic year-round procurement.
Packaging compliance depends on credible recycling evidence. Producers must demonstrate that their packaging waste has been recovered and recycled through approved reprocessors. We ensure this evidence is not only compliant—but also traceable, ethical, and UK-sourced.
Valpak prioritise UK PRNs where possible and have invested over £300m into the UK over the last 5 years.
The graph opposite shows the percentage of UK PRNs purchased by Valpak (green) compared to other compliance schemes in the UK (blue). In 2024, Valpak purchased 55% of PRNs from UK reprocessors.
We take a balanced, proactive approach to PRN procurement that supports both compliance and market stability:
Our dedicated Reprocessor Audit team maintains the integrity of our supply chain through rigorous checks and onboarding protocols:
This rigorous process ensures that the recycling evidence we provide is not only compliant—but credible, traceable, and ethically sourced.
Valpak is the UK’s largest Packaging Compliance Scheme and purchaser of PRNs / Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs). We welcome opportunities from both established and newly accredited suppliers, both big and small. Alongside prompt and reliable payment we will do as much as possible to both work with you and meet your selling requirements.
If you have PRNs or PERNs to sell please contact our Procurement Team 03450 682 572 or complete the enquiry form below.
Packaging recycling evidence, also known as Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs), is issued by Accredited Reprocessors to represent the tonnage of packaging waste they have recycled to a required standard. These evidence notes are used by producers to offset their packaging waste obligations under UK regulations
PRNs feed into a funding mechanism supporting the UK’s waste and recycling infrastructure. They were introduced in 1997 by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations. This legislation places a PRN purchasing obligation on companies handling over 50 tonnes of packaging with turnovers over £2m. Such companies are referred to as “Producers”. Because the material these Producers are responsible for ultimately ends up in the UK’s waste stream, they must buy sufficient PRNs in order to offset this obligation using a “producer pays” principle. In simple terms, the more packaging they handle the more PRNs they must buy against set percentage targets.
PRNs are important as the funding received from their sale by Accredited Reprocessors and Exporters can only be used in ways that benefit resource collection and recycling. This could include buying new recycling equipment or help financing recycling waste collections.
Read our Reprocessor case studies to find out more about how PRN funding has been invested.
With there being thousands of obligated Producers, the purchase of PRNs most often occurs via Packaging Compliance Schemes, such as Valpak, who represent large numbers of companies to which the legislation applies.
At Valpak we buy PRNs of the relevant type and quantity in order to offset our members’ obligations in the below materials. The types of PRNs we buy are:
NB – Valpak Compliance Scheme members that also have a Valpak Recycling Services contract can receive a number of benefits, such as reducing compliance costs via own waste PRNs. Download our brochure to find out more.
The PRN market is based on supply and demand, with prices fluctuating depending on whether the market is short or in surplus when compared to annual targets.
The market is affected by many factors, alongside annual recycling targets set by government, such as world socio economic events, global buying patterns, recycling collections and infrastructure, and commodity prices.
If you have PRNs to sell, please contact us using the form below.