Packaging recycling data for the first quarter of 2019 has raised concerns that targets for aluminium and plastic packaging may be missed.
The data which was published by the Environment Agency in May, covers the first three months of the year from January to March.
Whilst the figures show that the performance for wood, glass, paper and steel all increased compared to the same period in 2018 and appear to be on course to meet 2019 targets, the picture is different in aluminium and plastic.
Tonnages of plastics available for recycling have been under pressure due to a squeeze in export markets, which has seen plastic PRN prices reach an all-time high consequently. Collections of plastic packaging were down 4% compared to the same period in 2018 at 241,617 tonnes.
Similarly, a lack of aluminium PRNs has sent the price to a high level, with it currently looking likely that the target may be missed.
