Valpak PackFlow 2023: Packaging Down Since 2019
Packaging compliance expert Valpak, in partnership with WRAP, has released its updated PackFlow reports. The ‘PackFlow Refresh 2023: Summary Report‘ assesses the amount of packaging placed on the UK market (POM) in 2022 and forecasts POM and recycling rates through to 2028. This report covers various materials, including paper, card, glass, aluminium, steel, plastic, and wood, showing a general decline in packaging volumes since 2019.
Paper and Card
The report indicates that paper and card packaging POM in 2022 is estimated at 4,843k tonnes, a 3% decrease from 2019. The total tonnage of paper and card packaging recycled in 2022 is approximately 3,934k tonnes. Despite a decrease in domestic recycling from 2004 to 2010, the overall trend has stabilised since 2017, with export tonnages fluctuating between 500-700 K tonnes per quarter.
Glass
For glass, Valpak estimated 2,562k tonnes of packaging POM in 2022, marking a slight 0.5% decrease from 2019. The total quantity of recycled glass packaging in the UK is estimated to be 1,898k tonnes in 2022, with 82% of the collected glass being recycled domestically. The total glass packaging recycling has remained consistent at around 350-500k tonnes per quarter over the last five years.
Aluminium
Aluminium packaging POM has increased since the 2017 and 2019 reports, with an estimated 257k tonnes in 2022. Recycling figures for aluminium are around 157k tonnes, while approximately 98k tonnes were not recycled. Although there has been a slight upward trend in domestic recycling, it has remained broadly static since 2012. The export of waste aluminium packaging has grown rapidly, with 64% being exported in 2022, primarily to Germany and the Netherlands.
Steel
Steel packaging POM for 2022 is estimated at 474k tonnes, with recycling figures around 506k tonnes. In 2022, 47% of steel packaging collected was recycled in the UK, showing a decline compared to previous years. There has been significant volatility in the amounts of steel packaging waste recycled both domestically and through exports, with no clear trend emerging.
Plastic
Plastic packaging POM has decreased since the 2017 and 2019 reports, with 2,082k tonnes estimated for 2022. The percentage of plastic waste delivered to recyclers is estimated to be 62% (1,285k tonnes), while the recycled plastic exiting recyclers is 44% (925k tonnes). UK domestic recycling of plastic packaging has seen steady growth since 2011, surpassing the amount of plastic waste exported for the first time in 2012.
Wood
Wood packaging POM in 2022 is estimated at 1,385k tonnes, a slight increase from the revised 2019 figure. Approximately 4.3 million tonnes of waste wood were recovered or recycled in 2022. The volume of wood packaging placed on the UK market has remained stable between 2019 and 2022, with an upward trend in recycling seen since 2015, despite a slight drop in 2020.
The Valpak PackFlow 2023 reports reveal a decline in most packaging materials placed on the UK market since 2019. While domestic recycling efforts have shown progress in certain areas, particularly plastic and glass, the export of waste continues to play a crucial role in meeting recycling targets. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of waste management strategies will be essential to enhance recycling rates and reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste in the UK.
For more details on how Affordable Waste Management can help your business manage and recycle various types of waste, contact us today. Our expert team is ready to support your waste management needs with tailored solutions that comply with UK regulations.
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