Two sets of Regulations in the UK, the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007 and the Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2003 (as amended) have already increased the levels of recovery and recycling across all packaging materials and are driving down the sizing and weight of packaged items. Packaging recycling has doubled since 1997 and statutory binding targets will ensure further improvements.
The current UK targets are as shown in the following table, but are subject to change, due to an upcoming consultation.
EU target (percentage) 2008 2009 2010 Paper target 60 67.5 68 68.5 Glass target 60 73.5 74 74.5 Aluminium target — 32.5 33 33.5 Steel target — 58.5 59 59.5 Metals 50 — — — Plastic target 22.5 24.5 25 25.5 Wood target 15 20.5 21 21.5 Recovery target 60 68 69 70
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), which is partly funded by DEFRA, is responsible for delivering greater material efficiency, including increasing recycling rates. Its work on packaging waste interlinks with many aspects of recycling, such as working with local authorities to advise on recycling facilities and overcome barriers to recycling. WRAP also has a behavioural change programme which targets consumer recycling and explains why this is important.
WRAP is working with the retail industry to increase the recycling content of packaging and is targeting the supply chain through the voluntary 'Courtauld Commitment' agreement. Through its business growth and manufacturing programmes, WRAP is also working to ensure that the necessary facilities are in place in order to increase the capacity and capability of recycling and to increase the use of recycled materials in manufacturing.