The latest dataset, released in December and reflecting November’s reprocessing figures, reveals positive strides in Paper, Aluminium, Wood, and Steel. Conversely, both glass grades encountered a subdued month, with Glass Re-melt falling short of its monthly target by approximately 20,000t. However, the overall Glass category remains stable.
It’s important to note that some reprocessors are yet to submit their monthly data, and certain producers remain in the registration process. As the compliance year approaches its conclusion, caution is advised in interpreting the currently available data. The potential impact of pending data submissions and registrations requires the need for a pragmatic approach in navigating the final stages of the compliance year.
Paper and Board
November was an exceptional month for Paper and Board recycling with 334,870 Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) generated, exceeding its monthly requirement by 56,580t. This performance leaves Paper and Board 431,320t ahead of its year-to-date target, and in a comfortable position. Despite the consistent strength in performance for this grade, it is worth noting that the oversupply of Paper and Board will contribute to the meeting of the General Recycling obligation.
Glass Other and Glass Remelt
Both Glass grades faced another weak performance in November, generating 32,880 PRNs for Glass Other and 83,140 PRNs for Glass Re-melt. Glass Other fell short of its target by almost 10,000t and Re-melt fell short by over 20,000t. Despite November’s weak performance for these grades, the overall Glass category remains stable and comfortably ahead of its year-to-date requirement by 26,979t.
Despite Glass Other being behind target by 41,700t, both Glass grades should meet their targets by Remelt feeding into Glass Others shortfall.
Aluminium
Aluminium had a relatively strong month in October with 11,170t, missing its target by 1,000t. Novembers performance leaves this grade in a positive position as the compliance year draws to a close (12,125t ahead of year-to-date requirement). Given the limited number of aluminium reprocessors and exporters, this grade still warrants continuous review as we approach the end of the compliance year.
Steel
In November, Steel exceeded its monthly requirement by over 2,000t with 31,580 Steel PRNs generated. This is positive to see following last month’s weaker performance from this grade. Steel maintains a comfortable position, significantly surpassing its year-to-date requirement by 28,750t.
Plastic
In November, Plastic continued its streak of strong performances, with 97,575 Plastic PRNs generate. This grade maintains a substantial lead of 54,140t over its year-to-date requirement. While this performance positions this grade advantageously for the remainder of the year, Plastic progress is tighter than the previously mentioned grades meaning Plastic reprocessing requires continuous scrutiny.
Wood
Wood had a seemingly exceptional month with 42,021t of Wood reprocessed, more than doubling its production compared to October recycling (17,140t reprocessed). This could be down to underreporting in last month’s data release by reprocessors, rather than a sharp increase of production. This performance leaves Wood 247,610t ahead of its year-to-date requirement, which is very positive however, it is worth keeping in mind that typically the oversupply of Wood contributes to the General Recycling obligation.
