Progress Against Recycling Targets: February PRN Data

The latest Environment Agency (EA) dataset for January 2025 offers insights into UK packaging reprocessing performance. As we review the data across the different material grades – Paper and Board, Glass, Aluminium, Steel, Plastic, and Wood – all grades are behind requirements and have seen slow progress in January. In total, 358,792 tonnes of waste were recycled in January 2025 compared to 401,768 tonnes in January 2024, marking a 10.7% drop. Whilst this is something to monitor closely over the coming months, it is not unusual to see slow progress in January and would therefore not yet be a situation of concern.

As always, it is important to recognise that the EA is still processing H2 submissions, and some reprocessors and exporters have yet to report their data. This means the full picture of January’s performance remains incomplete, and additional data could significantly impact the current trends.

It is more important than ever to bear in mind that PRN demand in 2025 an unknown quantity. Recycling targets were lowered for the 2025 year, which might seem counterintuitive and unambitious. However, as the reporting structure for EPR is designed to produce a higher obligation through increased packaging capture and reduction of obligation gaps, the theory is that these reduced targets will actually drive increased demand, and could lead to price rises if a higher obligation is confirmed.

Note: This article references net requirements based on 2024 figures, as the 2025 figures will not be available until May.

January: 183,446t | YTD: 183,446t | YTD Net Req. 272,630t | Ahead/Behind: -89,184t

Like most grades, Paper and Board has had a slower start compared to previous years (2024: 229,629t, 2023: 257,921t), leaving it 89,184t behind the monthly net requirement. Additionally, Paper and Wood are no longer facing pressure to produce enough excess to cover for General Recycling, which no longer exists as of this year. This shift may impact overall market dynamics and PRN availability for producers relying on surplus volumes from these materials.

January: 2,397t | YTD: 2,397t | YTD Net Req. 11,766t | Ahead/Behind: -8,829t

Aluminium has had a historically weak start in January, but this year’s performance is particularly poor – 65% lower than last January. This sharp decline is already raising supply concerns, with prices likely to fluctuate as a result.

January: 16,311t | YTD: 16,311t | YTD Net Req. 28,944t | Ahead/Behind: -12,633t

Although steel is currently behind its net requirement, this is not unusual for this time of year. However, it has performed 19% better than last January, generating 2,624 more PRNs than at the same point last year. This marks a stronger start compared to previous years, despite the ongoing shortfall.

January: 69,354t | YTD: 69,354t | YTD Net Req. 108,130t | Ahead/Behind: -38,776t

Like Steel, Remelt is currently behind its net requirement (-38,776t), but it has shown significant improvement compared to the same period last year. For January 2025, Remelt has generated 64% more PRNs than at this time last year, indicating a notable positive trend.

It is worth noting that the PRN split targets for glass remain the same as last year, with 75% allocated to Glass Remelt and 25% to Other.

January: 17,053t | YTD: 17,053t | YTD Net Req. 36,992t | Ahead/Behind: -19,939t

Glass Other also experienced a slow start to the year and is currently behind target, having produced 12% fewer PRNs compared to the same period in 2024. This places Glass Other in a similar position to several other grades, which will require close monitoring in the coming months. The addition of compulsory quarterly data will provide further insight and help track progress more effectively.

January: 59,009t | YTD: 59,009t | YTD Net Req. 91,701t | Ahead/Behind: -32,692t

Also, a slow start for Plastic whilst equally not being an area of concern yet, as this is common for January. In total for January 2025 59,009 Plastic PRNs were approved/exported, 16,069/21% fewer than for the same period last year.

January: 11,222t | YTD: 11,222t | YTD Net Req. 28,228t | Ahead/Behind: -17,006t

As with many other grades, wood is also behind its YTD net requirements, having had a slow start to the year with 11,222 PRNs produced. Compared to the same period in 2024, this represents a 24% decrease. While this warrants monitoring in the coming months, it should not be an immediate cause for concern.