THE impact of Covid-19 on the UK packaging supply chain is set to be established in the next Valpak PackFlow report.
Valpak has recruited WRAP and INCPEN to help update the PackFlow materials reports. The PackFlow report is designed to establish and quantify how much packaging is placed on the UK market (POM) and subsequently recycled. The reports covers glass, metal, paper, plastic and wood.
The upcoming review will now also look at how Covid-19 has affected the packaging supply chain. Valpak said that the review will cover ‘obligated producers’ including manufacturers, packer/fillers, retailers and brands, to households, and on the collection and recycling of that packaging (local authorities, waste management and recycling companies).
They added that the study will consult across a ‘full spectrum’ of stakeholders with involvement and support from Defra, as well as consultation with the devolved administrators and their associated bodies, the Advisory Committee on Packaging (ACP), materials sector bodies, the Compliance Scheme Forum and obligated producers.
Valpak said that the review is intended to be complete by the end of August 2020. Such a completion date will allow for the findings to be fed into the ongoing work by the UK governments and the ACP on PRN system issues – including the need to set business recycling targets for the five materials in 2021 and 2022, the firm added.
Commenting on the decision to update the reports to look into the impact of Covid-19, WRAP director, Peter Maddox, said, “The availability of accurate and up-to-date information is vital to inform the target setting process. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who takes the time to contribute to the review. Widespread participation across all stakeholders is the only way to develop a true picture of these markets, and the potential impact of the way that businesses operate and citizens live their lives.”
Paul Vanston, CEO at INCPEN, added, “The impacts of COVID-19 on our communities are tragic and far-reaching. While a sense of perspective is needed in terms of focusing on such things as the PRN system, we do nonetheless need to understand the impacts of COVID-19 on the operations of obligated producers and the knock-on consequences for 2021 and 2022. I’m reassured that this PackFlow review will help smooth the way in very challenging times.”
James Skidmore, head of consulting at Valpak, commented, “Valpak Consulting is delighted to be helping businesses navigate through this unprecedented situation and is working closely with our partners INCPEN, WRAP and wider industry stakeholders”
