The third quarterly data release of 2024 highlights solid recycling progress across key grades, with most materials well on track to meet year-end compliance. Paper remains a strong performer, potentially contributing to General Recycling by November, while Aluminium’s moderate growth supports its steady trajectory toward target. Steel leads with the largest quarterly gain, positioning it to meet compliance ahead of schedule, and Glass Remelt continues its positive trend, though consistent performance will be needed through Q4.
In contrast, Glass Other and Plastic saw more challenging quarters, with slight downturns in production that require focused efforts in the final months. Wood, having reached its target earlier, continues to support General Recycling, reinforcing an overall positive outlook as we approach year-end.
All obligation data referenced in this article is based on 2023 figures, as we await the release of the finalised 2024 obligations.
Paper and Board
Q3 Addition: 77,103t | YTD Prod.: 3,001,641t | YTD Net Req. 2,453,667t | Ahead/Behind: +547,974t
Paper and Board recycling continues to show strong quarterly growth, further solidifying its position relative to target. The latest data indicates an additional 77,103t increase in recycled tonnage, placing Paper on track to exceed its annual requirement. This surplus production could help contribute to General Recycling before the end of the year, offering additional support to overall compliance targets for 2024.
Aluminium
Q3 Addition: 2,470t | YTD Prod: 119,744t | YTD Net Req.: 105,894t | Ahead/Behind: +13,850t
Despite a moderate Q3 increase of 2,470 tonnes, aluminium production remains strong, showing promising progress towards year-end targets. This additional tonnage now positions aluminium 13% (13,850 tonnes) ahead of year-to-date Net Requirements, keeping it firmly on track to meet its compliance obligation ahead of schedule.
Steel
Q3 Addition: 18,817t | YTD Prod.: 287,169t | YTD Net Req.: 260,497t | Ahead/Behind: +26,672t
Steel achieved the strongest quarterly growth among all grades, adding around 19,000 tonnes to its annual production. This substantial increase places Steel 10% (26,672 tonnes) ahead of year-to-date Net Requirements, indicating it is on track to meet compliance targets.
Glass Remelt
Q3 Addition: 37,596t | YTD Prod.: 1,006,746t | YTD Net Req.: 973,169t | Ahead/Behind: +33,577t
A substantial Q3 increase of 37,596 tonnes has strengthened Glass Remelt’s position, reinforcing its progress toward compliance. However, maintaining a steady recycling rate will be essential to ensure targets are met by year-end. Currently, Glass Remelt is 3% (33,577 tonnes) ahead of year-to-date Net Requirements.
Glass Other
Q3 Addition: 10,047t | YTD Prod.: 348,189t | YTD Net Req.: 332,926t | Ahead/Behind: +15,263t
With just 10,000 tonnes added to the quarterly figures, Q3 has proven to be the most challenging period for Glass Other this year. Production fell by 19.5% compared to the previous quarter, highlighting the need for a sustained effort. Similar to Glass Remelt, it is crucial for Glass Other to regain momentum in the final quarter to meet its annual target.
Plastic
Q3 Addition: 10,420t | YTD Prod.: 888,305t | YTD Net Req.: 825,311t | Ahead/Behind: +62,994t
Q3 data confirmed that this was the weakest quarter for Plastic, showing a 9.5% decrease from the previous quarter. However, robust performance in the first two quarters of the year has kept Plastic on track to meet its target, with 212,000 tonnes expected to be produced in the final stage of 2024.
Wood
Q3 Addition: 19,013t | YTD Prod.: 429,246t | YTD Net Req.: 254,056t | Ahead/Behind: +175,190t
Having exceeded its target earlier in the year, Wood continues to make a significant contribution to the General Recycling obligation. It has already surpassed its requirement by an impressive 90,505 tonnes.
