clearview Latest packaging data reveals strong performance p4-7 clarity October 2014 WEEE de minimis Clarity supports small producers p14-15

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1 clearview The latest news and views from clarity October 2014 Latest packaging data reveals strong performance p4-7 WEEE de minimis Clarity supports small producers p14-15 Market Reports The latest news and prices p16-17

2 2 clearview October 2014 What s happening this month? Introduction A short note from the Editor Cover Story Latest data reveals positive results for packaging recycling Latest News The latest from Clarity and beyond FAQs: Packaging Compliance What is the Consumer Information Obligation? FAQs: WEEE Compliance Are electrical products used in a vehicle covered by the regulations? The WEEE de minimis threshold Clarity supports small producers PRN Market Report PRN material analysis Metals Update Lead acid and catalytic converter markets Get in Touch, Stay Connected Give us a call, drop us an or visit our office Contributors The comments made by clearview contributors are their own and may not represent the views or policies of. Environment We are passionate about the environment and clearview is designed to be read online. Please consider the environment if you print. Legal The Clarity name and mark are used under license from Limited. Company Registration Number:

3 October 2014 clearview 3 Welcome to our October edition Lucy Brooks Editor lucy.brooks@clarity.eu.com As we rapidly head towards the final months of the year, attention turns to 2015 and what it will bring for the waste and recycling industry. Providing an indication of the packaging recovery note (PRN) market for next year, the packaging waste recovery statistics have now been released for the third quarter of With the data once again looking promising, many believe we will see a cooling of PRN prices across the board for the remainder of the year. In our cover story this month, we hear from our Commercial Manager, Chris Taylor, and Phil Conran of 360 Environmental about what the latest statistics indicate for the market in Also fast approaching is the November deadline for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) producers to register for Although this year saw the introduction of a de minimis threshold for small producers, Clarity is delighted that so many of our members have made the decision to continue taking advantage of the many benefits offered by our compliance scheme. We are also proud that our scheme continues to grow, with new members joining us throughout the year. Read more about the introduction of the de minimis threshold and the response from small producers on P10. Alongside these features, you can get a round-up of industry news, take a look at our latest video production, and have a read of our packaging recovery note (PRN) and lead acid battery updates, and news from the precious metals market. Got something to say? We would love to know what you think of our monthly newsletter so please get in touch if you have any feedback. We d also love to hear from you if you have advice, news or views you would like us to consider for our future editions.

4 4 clearview October 2014 Strong performance for packaging recycling Chris Taylor Commercial Manager The latest packaging recycling and export data has been released by the Environment Agency, revealing continued strong performance on the amount of packaging recovered or recycled in Commercial Manager, Chris Taylor, and Phil Conran of consultancy firm, 360 Environmental, discuss what the latest figures mean for the remainder of the year and the prospects for 2015.

5 October 2014 clearview 5 Packaging recycling and export data The Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations require obligated businesses to submit annual data on the amount of packaging they place on the market. Published on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD), the provisional obligation figures are released each quarter. The latest packaging recycling and export data provides provisional figures on the amount of packaging recovered or recycled between July and September Released on the 22nd October, the quarter 3 data has been awaited by the industry with some anticipation, and an expectation that it will both set the scene for the end of year PRN prices, and provide an indication of the market for the year ahead. After a two year volatile PRN trading environment in the UK, 2014 has so far proved to offer a far more comfortable position for the industry. This has certainly been assisted by the government s reduction of glass packaging targets from 81% to 75% this year. The latest results show improvement has continued into the third quarter of 2014 and there is wide expectation across the industry that all grades of packaging recovery notes (PRNs) will now start to drop in price. Rising optimism, falling prices Chris Taylor, Commercial Manager at, said the data provides an optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2014: The positive results that were reported in the previous quarter have continued into this period, and the data shows that we need to hit lower levels in the final months of 2014 than have been achieved in every other quarter of the year. He explained that the positive results were likely to push prices down: The overall outlook is very strong and as a result, buyers are now likely to hold off until Strong performances in both plastic and aluminium have dispelled any concerns that may have been around following the Q2 data. prices hit a perceived ebb. We can expect to see a drop in price for almost every grade from now. Paper has met its obligation so the price will either drop, or as the price of this material is already very low, it may stay at current levels. But aluminium and plastic should all soften between now and Christmas as the Q4 requirement is less than has been achieved in the previous three quarters. Concerns about steel earlier in the year have been put to rest, with the material now heading towards a significant surplus. And whilst there was a shortage of non-melt glass recycling reported in the latest figures, glass as a whole is performing well and will hit target at current recycling rates. As glass remelt can be used to fulfil the aggregate demand, we re likely to see a drop in price for both grades. Phil Conran of 360 Environmental echoed this view on prices. He said: The Q3 data has set the scene for a significant surplus across all materials by the end of the year. Strong performances in both plastic and aluminium have dispelled any concerns there may have been following the Q2 data. Barring any unforeseen events, such as the global commodity crisis in 2008 and the heavy snow in December 2010 that decimated glass collections, all PRN prices are likely to be low for the rest of the year. Approach with caution Whilst the market may look comfortable, Chris warned that the industry should not be too complacent as we head into the final months of He said: Buyers may now take advantage of

6 6 clearview October 2014 the current position and the low PRN prices by buying tonnage in December for This could put a spanner in the works as it would result in a very short Q4, and we could end the year in a far tighter position than it may currently appear. Looking forward to 2015 The big question is, what does this latest data suggest for 2015? In theory we should see an abundance of December PRNs carried over into next year, stabilising prices for most materials close to their current low levels. But Phil Conran says there are some caveats to that thought: The plastic target for 2015 goes up by 5%, producing a PRN demand of around 880k tonnes. We are likely to recycle around 820 to 850k tonnes this year, so if we have a good carry over, we should only need a slight increase in the tonnage recycled in 2015 for the target to be met. But equally, a slow-down of any sort could very quickly erode that position. He continued: Equally, although glass targets only rise by 1%, there are concerns as to whether the current low PRN prices are sufficient to maintain recycling volumes, and we could also see pressure on glass PRNs. Phil agrees that a cautious approach is needed as we move forward into 2015: As always, it would take a brave person to bet on the outcome of the year ahead in the PRN market. Whilst we should not experience the sort of volatility in 2015 that has been seen in previous years, there are nevertheless some challenges ahead and one should take a cautious budgeting position just in case. Learn more Clarity has been buying and selling packaging recovery notes (PRNs) since our business started in We are now one of the largest and most experienced open market traders of PRNs. To talk to our team about buying or selling any grade of PRN, contact our team on You can get regular updates on the PRN market each month in clearview Net 2014 requirement Q1 Q2 Q3 Total Q4 requirement Paper 2,360, , , ,255 2,536, ,317 Glass (Remelt) 979, , , , , ,179 Glass (Other) 535, , , , , ,905 Aluminium 67,150 16,081 17,544 20,098 53,722 13,427 Steel 328,721 78, ,655 99, ,602 47,119 Plastic 743, , , , , ,925 Wood 211, , , , , ,196 Recycling 6,538,434 1,605,480 1,730,296 1,688,428 5,024,204 1,514,230 EFW 490, , , , , ,727 Recovery 7,070,475 1,717,574 1,876,509 1,812,313 5,406,396 1,664,079 Total glass 1,514, , , ,507 1,215, ,085

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8 8 clearview October 2014 Catch up on the latest news Delay to dual use WEEE definition change The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) has announced that a change to the UK s definition of dual use waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) guidance will not come into effect until January BIS is to change the classification of dual use products to ensure the UK is consistent with EU guidelines. Under the amended statutory guidance, all electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) products will be classed as business to consumer unless the producer can provide evidence that, due to its nature and design, the product is not intended for use in private households and therefore unlikely to appear as household waste. Vikkie Fitzgerald, Project Manager, said: This will change the distribution of cost amongst producers, so BIS has now taken the decision to give businesses more time to adjust. We are already working with our WEEE members affected by the change of definition to help them prepare and ensure they understand how it will affect them. If you are a member of Clarity WEEE compliance and would like to know more about the change in definition contact a member of our team on

9 October 2014 clearview 9 Clarity in motion: view our latest video Would you like to know more about and the range of services we offer? Established in 2002, initially focussing on the sale of PRNs, our successful business has rapidly expanded and evolved. To find out about the full range of compliance, waste management and recycling services we now offer, you can now view our latest video and get a snapshot of the work we do. This latest video from Clarity was produced to display on our stand at the RWM exhibition in September. It is available to view on the news section of our website, as well as via the Clarity YouTube channel, where it joins our growing video library. New guidance on fire prevention The Waste Industry Safety & Health (WISH) Forum has finalised fire prevention guidance for waste operators, following a second round of consultation with industry members. The guidance applies to waste sites storing more than 50 cubic metres of solid combustible waste at any one time. Produced in response to a number of high profile waste fires in recent years, the guidance provides advice and standards on good and acceptable practice, enabling operators to reduce the risk of fire on their sites. Recycling targets warning in waste management report The Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has warned that current government policy could jeopardise progress towards EU recycling targets. In a new report, the committee criticises the government s decision to step back from implementing new waste and recycling policies, and states that without immediate action, England could miss the 50% recycling target by The report estimates only one in four households recycles correctly and says consumers need more information on what can and can t be recycled and the problems caused by contamination.

10 10 clearview October 2014 FAQs: Packaging Compliance Martin Trigg-Knight Account Manager What is the Consumer Information Obligation? Designed to encourage the reuse and recycling of packaging waste, the Consumer Information Obligations (CIO) were introduced as part of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations in Under the Consumer Information Obligations, producers whose principle activity is selling (i.e. supplying packaging to an end user), have to provide consumers with a range of information about recycling packaging. This includes: The return, collection and recovery systems available to consumers. The role the consumer has in contributing to the re-use, recovery and recycling of packaging and packaging waste. The meaning of any symbols and icons displayed on the packaging. How the consumer can get copies of waste strategy guidance. As part of the data submission, your company will be required to upload a copy of your Consumer Information Obligation onto the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD). You will also need to demonstrate how this is being communicated to your customers, for example where this information is made available to them. It can either be displayed in a prominent place that is visible to the public, for example at the till points in each retail outlet, or businesses can communicate this information on their website. Either of these are considered to be acceptable. s packaging compliance scheme meets the CIO obligations of its members through information displayed on our website, where we provide consumers with informa- tion about how they can reduce, reuse and recycle. If you are a member of our packaging compliance scheme and would like further information on the CIO obligations and what you need to do to meet the requirements, please contact a member of our team on for expert advice and guidance.

11 October 2014 clearview 11 Learn more Clarity s user-friendly packaging compliance scheme gives members a wide choice of flexible options tailored to their business needs. Contact Clarity s packaging compliance team on for further information about registering as a packaging producer or the purchasing of PRNs.

12 12 clearview October 2014 FAQs: WEEE Compliance Hayley Bosworth Quality & Data Manager Are electrical products used in a vehicle covered by the WEEE regulations? Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic (WEEE) Directive, equipment that is part of another that does not fall within the scope of the WEEE regulations (as defined by the ten categories listed in the Environment Agency technical guidance document), is itself excluded from the scope of the regulations. Therefore, equipment that has been specifically designed to be exclusively installed on an aeroplane, boat, car or other form of transport is considered to be outside the scope of regulations. An example of equipment likely to be exempt is a satellite navigation kit that has been designed to be permanently installed, fixed and wired into a car or a yacht. This kit would be considered part of that vehicle and, as a consequence, would not be covered by the regulations. A car radio that is purchased separately and is intended to be permanently installed in a vehicle, wired into the car s electrical system, and is then likely to remain with the car until it is sold or scrapped, would also be considered out of scope. However, electric or electronic products that are not permanently installed, but are temporarily connected or plugged into a vehicle, for example portable satellite navigation systems, DVD players, radios and stereos, are likely to be in scope and are covered by the regulations. The Environment Agency s technical guidance document provides more information on how to determine whether a product comes under the scope of the regulations. You can download a copy of the document from the WEEE compliance section of our website. If you are a member of Clarity s WEEE compliance scheme and have questions about the regulations, or if you are interested in joining our scheme, contact a member of our team on

13 October 2014 clearview 13 Learn more Clarity s low cost WEEE compliance scheme is one of the fastest growing compliance schemes in the UK, offering a full range of services to producers and business end-users. Contact our team on for further information about registering as a WEEE producer.

14 14 clearview October 2014 Supporting small producers with 2015 WEEE registration Vikkie Fitzgerald Project Manager The 2015 registration deadline for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) producers is fast approaching. We talked to Vikkie Fitzgerald, s Project Manager, about the response to this year s introduction of the de minimis threshold.

15 October 2014 clearview 15 Introduction of the de minimis threshold The new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations came into force on 1 January 2014, resulting in several changes to the way the household WEEE recycling system operates. One of the changes brought about by the revised regulations was the introduction of a de minimis threshold for WEEE producers placing less than 5 tonnes of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) onto the UK market each year. This threshold gives small producers the choice to either register with a Producer Compliance Scheme or direct with the Environment Agency (or relevant agency). These businesses must then handle the registration process, data reporting and where relevant, the collection and treatment of WEEE, themselves. welcomed the revised regulations at the start of the year and particularly the measures aimed at reducing the financial burden on small businesses. We are delighted, however, that many of the small producers registered with Clarity s WEEE Compliance Scheme have decided to stay with our scheme for 2015 and beyond. s Project Manager, Vikkie Fitzgerald, manages our WEEE compliance member enquiries and data submissions. She said of the response from our members to the introduction of a de minimis threshold: Small producers must continue to submit information to the Environment Agency on the type and weight of EEE they place onto the market each year. Some producers do not have the time, resource or confidence to handle this submission alone, and so many of our members that fall below the new threshold have told us that they want to remain as a member of a producer compliance scheme where they will continue to benefit from the guidance, assistance and expert advice. Vikkie continued: We are also delighted to be welcoming so many new members to our scheme for We have worked hard to develop producer compliance membership options that suit all businesses, and are working with producers of all sizes. Clarity offers a cost-effective service to assist producers of any size with the registration, and with reporting the required information with the Environment Agency. Small producers receive a range of benefits from our compliance scheme, including: We provide professional handling of the WEEE registration and data submissions, with accuracy data checks. We act as an interface between producers and the relevant environment agency. We provide guidance, expertise and updates on the WEEE regulations. Our online systems allow for fast and easy data input. We can ensure smooth transition for businesses if they exceed the de minimis threshold in future years. Businesses looking to join a WEEE producer compliance scheme for 2015 must do so by the 15th November Learn more Clarity s low cost WEEE compliance scheme is one of the fastest growing in the UK, offering a full range of services to producers and business end-users. If you are a small producer and would like to know more about the support Clarity can offer, please contact our technical specialists on

16 16 clearview October 2014 PRN Market Report: Material Analysis Chris Taylor Commercial Manager October trading has been strong, bolstered by the volumes traded in the forward market earlier in the year. We have, however, seen a continuation of September s trend, with a number of buyers holding back to consider the recycling and export data that was released last week. As a result of the strong performance reported in the data, the downward movement in price has continued for many materials, particularly the plastic and steel markets. We expect to see a continued softening of prices for many materials, together with a ramp up in trades, as declining markets meet the expectations of the remaining buyers. In focus: Glass (Other) Glass other is an interesting grade at present. It s falling well below its own target, but glass on the whole (including glass remelt, which can be used to cover the glass other obligations), is looking as though it will reach its targets if trends continue into the final quarter of the year. Should glass remelt levels drop, the market will look far tighter than is currently anticipated. You can read a full summary of the Q3 recycling and export data in our cover story on p4.

17 October 2014 clearview 17 Material 2014 Price Range ( ) Aluminium Paper Plastic Steel Material 2014 Price Range ( ) Wood Recovery Glass (Other) Glass (Remelt) Spot Trading Forward Trading Aluminium Paper Plastic Steel Wood Recovery Glass (Other) Glass (Remelt) PRN Certificate Delivery Percentage PRN Tonnage Delivery Percentage Early % On Time % Late %

18 18 clearview October 2014 Metals Update Philip Honcoop Trading Director Lead acid update The higher prices for lead acid batteries reported in our last issue of clearview continued into October, where they remained steady for the first part of the month. Although the market experienced a dip mid-way through October, prices have since been regaining. The knock-on effects of the mild weather across much of Europe last winter are still being felt across the market, so as we reach the official end of British summertime, marked by the clocks turning back last weekend, the battery industry at large will be keeping a close eye on forecasts for this year s winter temperatures to determine whether demand for replacement batteries is likely to rise in If you would like to trade batteries with Clarity, call Lead acid batteries / Tonne

19 October 2014 clearview 19 Catalytic converter update In this month s round-up of market news, strong currencies continues to drive down precious metals across the board. Silver recently fell to its lowest level since 2010, with no current sign of the metal regaining strength. Gold sits at prices of a similar level to those seen at the start of the year. MetalMiner reports that platinum prices over the past two months have plummeted and are at some of their lowest levels since Palladium continues to be the strongest of the precious metals. Despite falling in recent months as a result of the steadier political situation in eastern Europe, together with a stronger dollar, this is one precious metal that remains near to its highest price levels. Clarity offers on-site grading for catalytic converters, allowing us to make fast price negotiations and transactions. Book your evaluation today by calling

20 20 clearview October 2014 Get in touch, stay connected We are specialists in environmental compliance, recycling and waste management. Contact a member of our team to find out more about the services we provide and how we can help your business. Phone info@clarity.eu.com Fax Web Office 9 & 10 Hunns Mere Way, Woodingdean Business Park, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 6AH, England

21 October 2014 clearview 21 Lucy Brooks Editor David Adams Managing Director John Adams Director Philip Honcoop Trading Director Karen Bird Operations Manager Vikkie Fitzgerald Project Manager Hayley Bosworth Quality & Data Manager Lorraine Hill Office Manager Martin Trigg-Knight Account Manager Chris Taylor Commercial Manager Ian Roberts Trader Aiden Hill Junior Trader Josh Martin Business Development Executive Charlotte Heather Business Development Executive

22 Low-risk compliance. Cost-effective options. It is clear why so many businesses choose us to help them meet the WEEE regulations. Comply with Clarity. Call us on us on clarity