UK packaging recycling has beaten 2009 targets according to the latest data from the National Packaging Waste Database.

NPWD statistics published last week revealed that some 6.6 million tonnes of packaging were recycled during 2009, although some reprocessors still have to report data for the final quarter of the year.

Recovery and recycling companies handled almost 7.2m tonnes of packaging when energy from waste is included and 417,000 tonnes of packaging recovery notes (PRN) were carried forward to 2010.

At the start of last year the potential impact of the recession and China's stop on imported waste caused concerns that the UK would not meet reprocessing obligations.

Angus Macpherson, managing director of PRN trading platform the Environment Exchange, told Packaging News the biggest factor in meeting the targets was China opening its doors to imports. "That has been particularly significant in paper and metals," he said.

"The supply of PRNs in Q3 and Q4 increased substantially primarily on the back of export growth, and the level of obligation - demand for PRNs - shrank significantly, some 150,000 tonnes, below 2008 and anticipated levels," said Macpherson.

Looking forward the prospects were for a "good year for recycling" in 2010. "As far as obligated companies are concerned, it will be an inexpensive year but that may reflect a rough 2009 when they did not utilise as much packaging."

The full statistics for 2009 can be viewed by clicking here to visit the NPWD website.

PACKAGING RECYCLING AND RECOVERY
Fourth quarter 2004 (tonnes)

Aluminium 13,304
Glass 303,969
Paper 859,564
Plastic 138,201
Steel 124,020
Wood 185,675

Energy from Waste 164,281