The introduction of the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging has been delayed by one year, pushing the start date to 2025. This delay gives businesses more time to prepare for the regulations, which will shift the responsibility for packaging waste from local authorities to companies.
The EPR laws will require businesses to take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging, from production to disposal. This means companies will need to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging waste, as well as managing any leftover waste sent to landfill.
Waste management experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk have outlined the key changes and what they mean for UK businesses.
What is the Packaging EPR Law?
The new EPR regulations are part of the UK government’s strategy to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability. Under the EPR law, companies will be financially responsible for the entire lifecycle of the packaging materials they use. This includes the costs associated with waste management, such as collection, recycling, and landfill.
The law applies to any business that produces, imports, or uses packaging materials. It covers a wide range of sectors, including manufacturers, retailers, and online sellers, who will all be required to account for their packaging usage and pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they place on the market.
Which Businesses Will Be Affected?
All businesses that use packaging in their operations will be impacted, from large manufacturers to small online sellers. While larger companies may already have systems in place to manage waste and track packaging use, smaller firms will face new administrative and financial responsibilities.
How Will It Affect Businesses?
One of the primary impacts will be the increased cost to businesses. The fees are based on the amount and type of packaging a business uses, with different materials carrying different costs. Early estimates from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) suggested that glass packaging could cost businesses between £130 and £330 per tonne, leading to backlash from the business community. Following further consultations, DEFRA lowered the fee, with glass now starting at £110 per tonne.
Another significant impact will be the need for businesses to track and report packaging data accurately. Companies will need to record the amount of packaging they use and the type of materials. This data will then determine how much they are required to pay under the new system.
While the delay provides breathing space, businesses are urged to begin preparing now by collecting data and reviewing their packaging practices.
How Can Businesses Prepare?
BusinessWaste.co.uk advises companies to start by conducting an internal packaging audit. This will help identify areas where packaging use can be reduced or replaced with more sustainable alternatives, potentially lowering future EPR costs.
Mark Hall, waste expert and co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “The packaging EPR law marks a major step forward in the UK’s efforts to reduce packaging waste and promote sustainability. While it will bring new responsibilities and costs for businesses, it also presents an opportunity to innovate, adopt greener practices, and align with consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions.”
Businesses are encouraged to establish systems for tracking packaging use and ensuring accurate reporting to avoid penalties for non-compliance. Partnering with sustainable suppliers could also help reduce costs in the long term.
By preparing early and staying compliant, businesses can not only meet the new regulations but also turn them into an opportunity to improve their sustainability credentials.