Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) and Packaging Exported for Recovery Notes (PERNs) are evidence notes which demonstrate that packaging waste has been recycled in each category of material.
These can only be issued by reprocessors and exporters of packaging waste that have been accredited by one of the UK Environment Agencies.
A PRN can be issued for every tonne of packaging waste recycled or exported for recycling. PRNs are issued electronically through a website controlled and owned by the UK’s Environment Agencies.
Through the purchase of PRNs, obligated companies are taking responsibility for a percentage of the packaging waste that they have placed into the UK waste stream. The income generated from the sale of PRNs is monitored by the Environmental Agencies and is used for investment into recycling infrastructure and compliance ensuring that recycling and recovery can continue to grow.