PackUK, the official scheme administrator for extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR), has officially launched today (21 January 2025). The development was announced last week by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It will be responsible for overseeing pEPR across the UK.
Dr Margaret Bates, who was appointed head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator in January 2024, emphasised the urgent need for an effective pEPR scheme. She stated: The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical.
“The launch of PackUK marks an exciting leap forward in delivering this. We remain committed to working closely across the four nations, producers, and stakeholders across the collection and packaging value chain.“Together, we aim to deliver a fair and collaborative pEPR scheme that addresses the challenges of packaging waste and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging.”
PackUK’s primary role will involve setting pEPR fees, collecting these fees from obligated producers and making payments to local authorities. The scheme is expected to raise over £1 billion annually to support household collection and disposal services, according to Defra.
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), welcomed the launch, noting the potential for pEPR to create a world-class recycling system and contribute to a circular economy. He added: “Shoppers can be confident that when they dispose of their crisp packets, yoghurt pots and bread bags, they will be responsibly recycled and turned back into food-grade packaging.”
Paul Van Danzig, CEO of The Wastepack Group, said “The launch of PackUK marks a significant milestone in the evolution of EPR. We are laying the foundation for a system that not only meets ambitious environmental goals and recycling targets but also fosters long-term innovation and efficiency. At Wastepack, we are pleased to continue working alongside industry and producers to ensure the EPR system delivers as intended, while proactively addressing any potential unintended consequences at every stage.”
In addition to overseeing the scheme, PackUK will also manage the appointment of an industry-led Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), which will handle the practical aspects of pEPR. This follows a government decision in October 2024 to support the creation of the PRO.
To mark its launch, PackUK will host the Packaging Innovations Birmingham conference from 12 to 13 February 2025. The event will feature industry speakers and provide opportunities for stakeholders to engage with the PackUK team, with a session chaired by Mary Creagh from Defra discussing aspirations for pEPR.
View our previous story on pEPR, "UK Government Advances pEPR Legislation [25/10/2024]"