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Written question asked by Lord Hunt of Wirral (Conservative) on Monday, 18 May 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Packaging: Recycling

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Packaging Recovery Note system in investment in the UK recycling infrastructure and recycling rates; and whether they plan to reform or abolish that system.

Answer

The Packaging Waste Recycling Note (PRN) system has supported an increase in packaging waste recycling rates from 45% in 2003 to 64.7% in 2023 and has continued to support delivery of recycling targets.

The system generated £322m in revenue from the sale of PRN/PERNs in 2025. Reprocessors and exporters accredited to issue PRN/PERNs are required to report on how they have used this revenue to help build increased capacity across the recycling sector as part of their business plan.

A consultation on reforms to the PRN system has recently closed. Defra officials will review the responses and decide on next steps shortly.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL193
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Recycling Packaging
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk