UK Packaging PRO has officially been appointed by PackUK as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) programme.
The organisation, which is led by producers, has been established to support a number of responsibilities currently handled by PackUK.
Bringing together over 100 major UK brands, retailers and trade associations, UK Packaging PRO has gained support from key industry bodies such as the Food and Drink Federation and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment.
According to PackUK, the appointment followed a thorough and competitive selection process designed to ensure the chosen organisation could effectively represent the full scope of the UK packaging sector.
Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive of PackUK, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome UK Packaging PRO as the new Producer Responsibility Organisation.
“This announcement follows a rigorous selection process, as PackUK was committed to choosing the best candidate possible to represent the diverse interests of the packaging industry.”
Rollout Begins in April 2026
UK Packaging PRO will formally take on its role from 1 April 2026, with responsibilities being phased in over time.
Its duties are expected to include developing fee modulation and recyclability methodologies, overseeing communications and public engagement, and supporting operational delivery.
While UK Packaging PRO will take on delegated responsibilities, PackUK will continue to oversee its activities and ensure accountability to governments across the UK.
Key administrative decisions, including those relating to local authority payments and producer fees, will remain under PackUK’s control.
Compliance schemes will remain essential partners to producers, continuing to support data, reporting, obligation management and day‑to‑day compliance under the pEPR framework.
Strengthening Industry Involvement in pEPR
The introduction of a PRO builds on the strong representation and practical insight that compliance schemes have long provided to Defra and the regulators, further strengthening relationships between policymakers and industry across the pEPR system.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh added: “This government will accelerate the circular economy transition.
“Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme will incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices and improve recycling services in every region.
“The launch of UK Packaging PRO, led by businesses and working closely with PackUK, is a major step forward”
Compliance schemes will continue to play a vital role in supporting producers. At Wastepack, we remain fully committed to championing our members’ needs. We continue to listen closely, engage proactively with industry, and advocate on behalf of producers to help deliver a system that is efficient, fair and effective for every stakeholder. We look forward to working alongside the producer‑led UK Packaging PRO to ensure our members’ insights and practical experience continue to inform the successful delivery of pEPR.
If you have any questions about pEPR or the introduction of a PRO, our team is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.
