The full Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) regulations were formally laid before Parliament on 24 October 2024. These regulations, available for public review on the government’s website, will undergo a 40-day parliamentary review period before being passed.
Sebastian Munden, the independent chair of the Interim Steering Group and WRAP chair, marked the significance of this legislation, describing it as a substantial move toward a circular economy. He emphasised the importance of the regulations in promoting a circular packaging system across the UK, encouraging companies to use less packaging and prioritise recyclable materials. “This step forward is fundamental for fostering innovation in design, production, and reuse,” Munden noted, adding that it signals real, actionable change for sustainable resource management.
The introduction of pEPR is part of the wider Resources and Waste Strategy 2018, which also includes initiatives such as the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and Simpler Recycling. These reforms collectively aim to reduce waste and promote sustainability, with pEPR focusing specifically on shifting the financial responsibility for managing packaging waste to the producers, easing the burden on local authorities and other parts of the supply chain.
Laying the Foundation for pEPR in the UK
The journey to pEPR began in 2019, when the government launched a public consultation to develop Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, later solidified in the Environment Act 2021. This act required that producers cover the full lifecycle costs of packaging waste, from collection to final disposal.
In 2023, pEPR began its initial rollout, with producers mandated to report data on the volume of packaging they release into the market. This data will be crucial in tracking waste generation and ensuring producers take accountability for the impact of their packaging.
In January 2024, the Scheme Administrator Interim Steering Group for pEPR was established to oversee the framework’s development. Yesterday, ministers reaffirmed their support for the group’s initiative to establish an industry-led Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). This PRO, which would focus on the operational aspects of pEPR, is expected to represent the interests of key stakeholders, particularly packaging producers.
The establishment of the PRO is seen as a crucial step for industry stakeholders. By working collaboratively, it aims to enhance recycling rates, reduce waste, and support the circular economy by encouraging a shift towards sustainable packaging materials and practices.
As the UK moves closer to implementing these regulations, pEPR is set to transform the packaging industry’s environmental footprint, fostering a more circular approach to resource use and waste management in the years to come.
