Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the Packaging Recovery Note system in investment in the UK recycling infrastructure and recycling rates; and whether they plan to reform or abolish that system.

The Packaging Waste Recycling Note (PRN) system has supported an increase in packaging waste recycling rates from 45% in 2003 to 64.7% in 2023 and has continued to support delivery of recycling targets.

The system generated £322m in revenue from the sale of PRN/PERNs in 2025. Reprocessors and exporters accredited to issue PRN/PERNs are required to report on how they have used this revenue to help build increased capacity across the recycling sector as part of their business plan.

A consultation on reforms to the PRN system has recently closed. Defra officials will review the responses and decide on next steps shortly.