UK’s 2017 spring budget sets new target for aluminium recycling

Philip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has presented the 2017 Spring Budget yesterday 8 March.  The budget sets the future target rates for the recycling of aluminium packaging till 2020. Current the aluminium recycling target is 55 per cent and the new targets stands at 64 per cent for 2020.

Rick Hindley, executive director at aluminium packaging recycling organisation Alupro, said that he is not satisfied with the government’s approach.

He stated: “We are very disappointed and frustrated that the government has ignored our proposal. Rather than straight line targets, we proposed a stronger 2017 target of 58% and then 2% increases per annum up to 2020. We did a lot of work to demonstrate the option we proposed was viable.”

“With these new targets, there is no guarantee that aluminium will be counted in the PRN system. Recyclers and exporters would not feel compelled to be part of the system,” he added.

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Robbie Staniforth, commercial manager at Ecosurety, has also expressed his concern about the impact of the new packaging recycling rates.

He said: “We’re slightly surprised that they’ve opted for a mix of targets and our only concern is that big recycling jumps may create artificial spikes in PRN prices. As the years progress, it will be important to ensure these PRN revenues generated are directed to improving recycling in the UK.”