Packaging Export Recovery Note
A certificate proving that packaging waste exported from the UK has been recycled at an accredited overseas facility. PERNs function like PRNs but apply to waste processed abroad.
A Packaging Export Recovery Note (PERN) is the equivalent of a PRN but for packaging waste that is exported from the UK for recycling or recovery abroad. PERNs are issued by accredited exporters.
Key aspects of PERNs:
- Issued by exporters accredited by the Environment Agency
- Prove that exported packaging waste has been recycled at a compliant overseas facility
- Count toward UK recycling targets in the same way as domestic PRNs
- Subject to audit and verification requirements
PERNs are important because a significant proportion of UK packaging waste is exported for recycling, particularly plastic and paper/card. The system ensures this exported waste is genuinely recycled and not simply dumped. Environmental regulators monitor PERN issuance and may inspect overseas receiving facilities. Under pEPR, PERNs continue to apply for non-household packaging alongside the domestic PRN system.
Related Terms
Non-Household Packaging
Packaging discarded in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings rather ...
Packaging Recovery Note
A tradeable certificate issued by accredited reprocessors proving that a tonne o...
Recovery Targets
Government-set annual targets for the percentage of each packaging material that...
Exporter
An accredited business that ships packaging waste abroad for recycling. Exporter...
Environment Agency
The environmental regulator for England responsible for enforcing EPR for packag...
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