The problem of packaging waste has been widely acknowledged for some time. The throwaway culture surrounding packaging - and the environmental problems that come with it, have been on the government's radar since the 1990s, when the Packaging Waste Regulations were first created.
What are the Packaging Waste Regulations?
Established in 1997, the Packaging Waste Regulations were designed to divert packaging from landfill, and incentivise businesses to reduce packaging usage and ensure materials are recycled. We now follow the updated regulations developed in 2007, which stipulate recycling and recovery obligations for packaging producers, as well as requiring evidence that these obligations have been met. The evidence that must be provided is in the form of Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs). But not everyone is obligated - the regulations only apply to your business if your turnover exceeds £2 million, and if you handle 50 tonnes or more of packaging per calendar year. Businesses must meet both of these criteria to be obligated.
What do you need to do to be compliant?
If your business meets both criteria, you need to take action to make sure you are compliant with your packaging waste - otherwise, you could risk substantial fines, or even criminal prosecution. The largest fine to date was £270,000, so it's in your company's best interests to make sure that you are meeting all your legal obligations. In order to do so, you must register as a packaging producer with the appropriate government agency; provide accurate data on the packaging handled for the previous calendar year; and offset your packaging usage with the purchase of PRNs or PERNs. Alternatively, you can join the other 90% of obligated businesses who choose to sign up to a compliance scheme, such as the Veolia Packaging Compliance Scheme, who take care of everything on your behalf.
What are the benefits of signing up to Veolia's Packaging Compliance Scheme?
We have our own network of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), where a wide range of packaging materials are recycled, then sorted and sent on for reprocessing. We use this recovered material to generate PRNs to cover our members’ obligations, meaning you will have no problems with availability. This also prevents 600,000 tonnes of packaging waste going to landfill each year! Our dedication to sustainability will help you to reduce your packaging waste, helping you to cut costs and carbon. Most importantly, signing up to our Scheme gives you peace of mind that you are meeting your compliance requirements. We absorb your legal liability for non-compliance, and take care of all your obligations for you - with a dedicated Account Manager able to answer any questions you may have, as well as assisting with data submissions.
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