PackFlow FAQs

PackFlow are the UK’s leading packaging data and recycling intelligence reports, developed by Valpak.
They provide evidence-based insights into how packaging is placed on the market, used, collected, and recycled.
The reports help businesses, regulators, and environmental stakeholders make informed decisions about packaging design, policy, and sustainability.

PackFlow supports a wide range of organisations, including:

• Producers, retailers, and brands seeking reliable packaging data for compliance or strategy
• Government and regulators developing evidence-based policy
• Waste and recycling operators seeking insight into packaging material flows
• NGOs, academics, and researchers focused on circular economy and environmental data

PackFlow Reports offer:

• Estimates of packaging material flows (by material, sector, and format)
• Forecasts for packaging placed on the market (POM) and recycling rates
• Trend analysis and scenario modelling to inform EPR and packaging design decisions
• Policy and compliance data to support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and other regulations
• Sector-specific insights using data from the UK’s largest product and packaging database

“Placed on the market” (POM) refers to the first time a packaged product becomes available in a particular market — typically the UK.
This could mean:

• Manufacturing and selling packaged goods in the UK
• Importing packaged goods into the UK for sale or distribution
• Repackaging or relabelling products for sale (depending on the legislation)

Understanding what counts as POM is vital for accurate reporting under EPR and Packaging Waste Regulations.

PackFlow’s estimates are derived from:

• The UK’s largest product and packaging database, covering over 60 million SKUs
• Verified and cross-referenced data sources
• Expert analysis and statistical modelling
• Continuous review and validation

While data represents the best available evidence, PackFlow results should be interpreted as robust estimates rather than exact figures.

PackFlow Reports are updated regularly through our PackFlow Refresh reports, which incorporate the latest:

• Market and materials data
• Recycling and collection statistics
• Policy developments and forecast adjustments

This ensures PackFlow users always have access to the most current data available.

PackFlow supports compliance by:

• Helping you understand your obligations under EPR and Packaging Waste Regulations
• Forecasting future costs and obligations based on packaging choices
• Providing data to support modulated fees and recyclability design decisions
• Enabling better communication between supply chain partners and regulators

Yes. PackFlow data can be filtered and segmented by sector, packaging format, and material type, allowing you to view insights specific to your products or operations.

Currently, PackFlow focuses on UK packaging flows and related compliance frameworks.
However, we are developing extensions that consider international trends and import/export data, offering valuable context for global brands.

Valpak treats customer data with the highest level of confidentiality and security. All data is:

• Stored in secure environments
• Used only for the agreed purpose
• Aggregated or anonymised for publication where appropriate
• Fully compliant with data protection regulations

Yes. PackFlow provides independent, evidence-based data to inform:

• Government policy development
• EPR modelling and impact assessments
• Recycling and circular economy strategies

Our insights are widely used across industry and government to shape packaging and waste legislation.

• Backed by Valpak’s expertise in packaging compliance and data management
• Powered by millions of live product and packaging records
• Combines historical data, live trends, and future forecasting
• Designed for both business insight and policy development
• Built on transparency, accuracy, and independent analysis