Defra reviews packaging recycling targets for aluminium and other materials

<p>Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is consulting on new business packaging recycling targets for paper, wood, aluminium and steel for 2018-20. The department has published three options with each option indicating different degrees of ambition.<br /><br />According to option 1, no increase in targets from the current 2017 targets through to 2020.<br /><br />Option 2 suggests the greatest rise, considering UK&rsquo;s ambition to be on track to achieve the CE package recycling targets for 2025 of 65% overall. Aluminium&rsquo;s targets the maximum for the three years with 57%, 59% and 61% rise.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/defra.jpg" alt="News" width="512" height="226" /><br />Option 3 proposes lower target increases for all materials, apart from aluminium. Defra says that this option is &ldquo;optimal&rdquo; based on its cost-benefit analysis.<br /><br />Defra says:&nbsp; &ldquo;Together this causes net social benefits and impacts on benefits to diverge under Option 2. Under Option 3, which has a high target for aluminium, the net social benefit and benefits to businesses move together.&rdquo;<br /><br />{googleAdsense}<br /><br />&ldquo;The diversion of aluminium away from landfill leads to a sizeable carbon benefit, while for business the high material price for aluminium leads to high material revenues.&rdquo;<br /><br />Defra however maintained their stand that they have not zeroed on any particular option.<br /><br />&ldquo;The UK Government&rsquo;s overarching aim is to have appropriate targets which ensure that the UK complies with the EU Packaging Directive targets whilst maximising the benefits for consumers, businesses and the environment,&rdquo; it says.<br /><br />The department is seeking views from respondents on the options stating the most desirable one and with supporting points&nbsp; and the consultation would be running until 6 January 2017.<br /><br /><br /></p>