The packaging waste recycling targets for 2021 and 2022 have been confirmed by Defra. The announcement also confirmed that in line with the proposals in the consultation and the EU Directive on packaging and packaging waste, there is no longer a target for recovery of packaging waste and so no recovery obligation for 2021 and 2022.
Defra added that the targets refer solely to recycling, explaining that there will be no accreditation for recovery operators for 2021 and 2022.
The confirmed targets are somewhat different from those published in the consultation documents in February 2019, Defra have stated that based on responses received and in light of the market situation the targets will be as follows:
| Material | 2021 business target | 2022 business target |
|
Paper |
79% | 83% |
| Glass | 81% | 82% |
| Of which by remelt | 72% | 72% |
| Aluminium | 66% | 69% |
| Steel | 86% | 87% |
| Plastic | 59% | 61% |
| Wood | 35% | 35% |
| Overall recycling | 76% | 77% |
Although paper, wood and aluminium have remained unchanged from their proposed targets, Glass, Plastic and Steel have all seen reductions.
For example, glass targets have been adjusted from a proposed 84% in 2021 and 87% in 2022 to 81% and 82% respectively. While plastic targets have been cut to 59% in 2021 and 61% in 2022, from a proposed 61% and 65%. Along with a consistent 2% drop in the steel targets from a proposed 88% in 2021 and 90% in 2022 to 86% and 88%.
