2012 packaging obligation figures

15 May 2012

The EA released the Q1 PRN figures for 2012 in late April. Although the figures were preliminary with several submissions still to be made, they give an indication of PRN supply for the period and help build a price picture going forward. Total Q1 PRN production is down 6.1% (111,423 tonnes) on Q4 2011. The main materials contributing to this are Aluminium, Plastic and Glass and in terms of impact on the marketplace then the figures for Plastic and Glass will cause most activity in the coming months.

In addition, the 2012 UK packaging obligation data was published recently and it has not changed much from 2011 levels. Fewer producers have registered for 2012 (due to previously registered 2011 producers either having gone into administration/liquidation or having fallen below the threshold levels) and packaging handled has marginally decreased for most materials over 2011 levels although admittedly not by much. However wood and steel have both increased slightly.

With comparison to the data released at the same time last year it is a reasonable to assumption that the final obligation for the year is likely to be similar to last year.
As we approach the mid-year point for PRN procurement in 2012 the two materials that still require particular attention are Plastic and Glass.