Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) is a significant piece of packaging reform that aims to increase the recyclability of packaging and improve recycling rates. pEPR uses the polluter pays principle to place 100% of the responsibility for the cost of the packaging waste on to one liable producer within the supply chain.
Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR)
Both large and small producers are obligated to report on packaging waste, and some producers are obligated to pay fees to cover the cost of waste disposal.
pEPR fees are calculated based on the costs for local councils to collect, sort, and process packaging materials across eight material categories, and their weight per tonne. This aims to incentivise the use of materials that are easier to recycle and reduce the volume of packaging on the market.
Specific definitions and guidance for companies across the supply chain can be found on the pEPR government website. Please contact us for support in interpreting these definitions and/or identifying what you will be responsible for reporting and funding.
pEPR Scheme Administrator
PackUK is the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme administrator, responsible for the governance of pEPR. We have been actively involved in the development of pEPR through the scheme administrator, with our ESG Director being part of the interim steering group as the manufacturing representative.
Involvement in the PackUK interim steering group enables us to provide two-way support for industry and customers – advising government in shaping pEPR governance, whilst representing manufacturers and demonstrating the impact of this policy on the packaging industry. This helps us to drive industry collaboration and to better assist our customers in establishing what pEPR will mean for them and their organisation.
Our aspirations for PackUK and pEPR include:
- Two-way, consistent & authentic industry engagement
- Transparency across processes, projects, procedures, and priorities
- Improved, regular communication
- Evidence of investment impact
Designing with pEPR in Mind
We are committed to using our in-depth pEPR knowledge to support our customers with their compliance obligations, as well as assessing and designing their packaging portfolios accordingly. Reducing plastic content and lightweighting materials help us to improve the recyclability of customers’ packaging, and therefore to reduce customers’ pEPR costs.
Alongside increasing material efficiency, we bring new technology around materials, coatings and machinery to the food packaging market. We have recently worked with several customers to further improve the recyclability of their packaging by replacing plastic laminates with direct food contact inks. This helps our customers to eliminate added plastic and reduce packaging waste, and in doing so, significantly reduce their projected pEPR unit costs. These projects demonstrate the true aim of pEPR, whilst bringing sustainability benefits and cost savings for our customers too.
Get in Touch
Looking for support with interpreting Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility and what this means for your business?
Contact us today to discover how we can support you.