Packaging Recovery Note
A tradeable certificate issued by accredited reprocessors proving that a tonne of packaging waste has been recycled. Producers purchase PRNs to demonstrate they have met their recycling obligations.
A Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) is an evidence note issued by a UK-accredited reprocessor confirming that one tonne of packaging waste has been recycled or recovered. PRNs are the primary compliance mechanism for non-household packaging under the UK system.
How PRNs work:
- Accredited reprocessors issue PRNs for each tonne of packaging they recycle
- Obligated producers must purchase enough PRNs to meet their recycling targets
- PRNs are traded on an open market — prices fluctuate based on supply and demand
- PRNs are material-specific (e.g., plastic PRNs, paper PRNs, glass PRNs)
Under pEPR, the PRN system continues for non-household packaging, though the system for household packaging transitions to waste management fees. PRN prices can be volatile — plastic PRNs have historically been the most expensive. Producers typically purchase PRNs through their compliance scheme. See also PERNs for export recycling evidence.
Related Terms
Compliance Scheme
An approved organisation that manages EPR obligations on behalf of obligated pro...
Non-Household Packaging
Packaging discarded in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings rather ...
Packaging Export Recovery Note
A certificate proving that packaging waste exported from the UK has been recycle...
Recovery Targets
Government-set annual targets for the percentage of each packaging material that...
Reprocessor
An accredited facility that processes collected packaging waste into recycled ra...
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