Flow reports as a circular economy tool
By tracking packaging and other regulated products placed on the market, what’s collected, and what’s actually recycled, flow reports shine a light on the system’s strengths and weaknesses. They allow policymakers to design smarter legislation and businesses to make better material choices. Without this evidence, circular economy targets risk being built on guesswork.
Valpak’s PackFlow reports are among the most comprehensive sources of UK packaging and regulated product flow data. Drawing on granular proprietary data, producer responsibility submissions, recycling data, and trade statistics, the reports help industry and governments identify risks against environmental targets and map opportunities to increase circularity.
Success stories
Flow data has already shaped major sustainability initiatives:
- Policy development: UK and devolved governments, and governments and regulators overseas, have extensively used PackFlow evidence to inform policy development and implementations, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Business innovation: Companies have applied flow insights to redesign packaging, reduce difficult-to-recycle materials, and demonstrate progress to stakeholders. The waste management and recycling industry have used the reports to understand risk and opportunities to develop compelling business cases and inform their own policy direction.
- International influence: The UK’s approach, underpinned by evidence, is increasingly referenced as a model for integrating circular economy principles into Producer Responsibility systems and other related initiatives worldwide.
Tips for businesses
For companies looking to act now:
- Audit your packaging: Understand what’s recyclable, what’s not, and what future regulations may penalise
- Set targets using data: Evidence-led goals carry more weight with investors, customers, and regulators
- Collaborate on solutions: Share insights across supply chains, what you learn from flow reports can help others
Looking ahead
The circular economy is about systems and evidence, not soundbites and sentiment. By applying evidence from our flow reports, businesses and governments can reduce waste, cut costs, and design packaging systems fit for the future.
PackFlow reports from Valpak deliver the clarity and foresight needed to turn circular economy goals into practical action.
Enquire now to discover how our data and expertise can support your business.
