UK packaging waste recycling notes (PRNs) and their export equivalents (PERNs) recorded in January-June 2026 totalled 417,365 tonnes, down about 29% from 586,191 tonnes a year earlier. The figures come from Environment Agency data reported by RECOUP in July. The fall prompted talks between Defra and industry on its causes and possible regulatory intervention, although RECOUP found discrepancies in the dataset, and tighter accreditation, reporting changes and action against fraud can also reduce the supply of valid notes.
Why this mattersA tighter supply of valid notes would raise compliance costs for packaging producers whether the cause is lost recycling capacity or stricter enforcement against fraudulent operators.
- Recorded PRNs and PERNs fell to 417,365 tonnes in January-June 2026 from 586,191 tonnes a year earlier, a decline of about 29%, per RECOUP citing Environment Agency data
- The decline prompted discussions between Defra and industry representatives on its causes and possible regulatory intervention
- RECOUP identified discrepancies between tabs in the underlying dataset and sought clarification from the Environment Agency
- PRN and PERN sales generated USD 429m (GBP 322m) in 2025, according to a government parliamentary answer published in June 2026
- The dataset was updated on 25 September 2026 using information extracted on 21 September
New UK Environment Agency data shows 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) received the lowest 2025 rating, according to analysis by circular economy specialist Reconomy. Under packaging EPR (pEPR) fee modulation, due to begin in the scheme's second year, red-rated packaging will cost 20% more per tonne than amber-rated packaging, with Defra's RAM 2027 guidance applying to packaging supplied from 1 January 2027. Large producers with a high share of red-rated flexible plastics could face materially higher PackUK invoices.
Why this mattersFee modulation shifts cost toward flexible-film packaging unless producers secure take-back scheme evidence, pushing redesign and reformulation across UK food packaging.
- 61.8% of flexible plastic packaging assessed under RAM received the lowest (red) rating in 2025, per Environment Agency data analysed by Reconomy.
- Red-rated packaging will cost 20% more per tonne than amber-rated packaging under pEPR fee modulation.
- RAM v1.1 applies to packaging supplied in 2026; RAM 2027 guidance applies to packaging supplied from 1 January to 31 December 2027.
- Total UK packaging tonnage reported by large producers fell 1.2% (about 135,000 tonnes) to 10.97 million tonnes in 2025, from 11.11 million tonnes in 2024.
- Plastic packaging tonnage fell by approximately 52,300 tonnes and glass by around 51,600 tonnes in 2025; aluminium rose by about 8,700 tonnes.
- The first pEPR assessment year began 1 April 2025, with the first invoices issued in October 2025.
- Steel packaging tonnage fell by 25,500 tonnes and fibre composite by 12,200 tonnes in 2025
British Glass is pressing the UK government to change its extended producer responsibility scheme, arguing that weight-based charging pushes glass's compliance costs far above its share of packaging volume and is prompting brand owners to switch to lighter materials. The association says glass accounts for less than 5% of UK packaging by volume but bears around 30% of total pEPR costs, and links the issue to import competition and domestic furnace investment. Defra has engaged with the sector, and reporting points to possible temporary fee relief for glass, though no intervention has been confirmed.
Why this mattersIf weight-based EPR fees keep favouring lighter formats, UK container-glass furnace utilisation and future rebuild investment are at risk, reshaping material choice for food and drink packaging.
- British Glass says glass is under 5% of UK packaging volume but bears around 30% of pEPR costs.
- An earlier British Glass survey found 43% of brands and retailers were considering switching away from glass, mostly to plastic.
- Provisional UK anti-dumping duties on some Chinese container-glass imports were introduced in September 2026.
- A significant share of UK container-glass manufacturing is concentrated in northern England.
- Glass is excluded from the planned UK deposit return scheme for drinks containers, unlike plastic bottles and metal cans.
- Defra has continued engagement with British Glass, with reports of possible temporary fee relief for glass, not yet confirmed.
- British Glass launched the Back British-made Glass Charter on 16 September 2026 at a parliamentary reception hosted by the Glass & Glazing Collective
- The charter sets out five commitments including a level playing field and sustainable domestic production
- British Glass says the sector contributes over GBP 2 billion annually to the UK economy and supports more than 120,000 jobs
- Electric Glass Fiber UK closed last year with about 250 job losses, ending UK continuous filament glass fibre production
- The Back British-made Glass Charter was launched on 16 September 2026 at a Glass and Glazing Collective parliamentary reception.
- British Glass says UK glass manufacturing contributes more than GBP 2 billion (USD 2.7bn) a year and supports over 120,000 supply-chain jobs.
- Signatories including MPs, businesses and public bodies pledge to support strategic procurement favouring domestic glass, without a mandatory buy-British policy.
- British Glass cites the prior-year closure of Electric Glass Fiber UK, which cut about 250 jobs and ended UK continuous filament glass fibre production, as evidence of sector erosion.
- Defra's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme is expected to raise about GBP 1.6bn a year
- Five of the UK's six main glass packaging manufacturers are overseas-owned
- The UK glass industry is valued at GBP 1.3bn and supports more than 100,000 jobs
- Breweries and the pub industry have urged a rethink of the levy, saying it favours lighter plastic packaging
