Defra has launched a new consultation on reforms to the Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system, outlining proposed measures to strengthen oversight and address potential misuse.

Open until 5 May 2026, the consultation introduces a range of options intended to improve fairness between UK reprocessors and exporters.

This consultation builds on changes introduced in January 2026.

Defra has indicated that, although those earlier reforms marked progress, additional steps are necessary to further develop the system.

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Measures Relating to System Integrity

A central aspect of the consultation is the introduction of safeguards to address the risk of improperly issued PRNs and PERNs.

According to Defra, such issues can affect market balance by increasing the volume of evidence available and influencing pricing.

Proposals under consideration include:

• Granting regulators the authority to cancel PRNs or PERNs where there is evidence they were issued incorrectly
• Strengthening due diligence requirements for compliance schemes and producers when acquiring evidence
• Increasing transparency through the publication of accreditation suspensions and cancellations
• Introducing mandatory registration and reporting obligations for brokers and trading platforms

Additional measures focus on refining how the “recyclable proportion” of waste is calculated, with the aim of ensuring that evidence is issued only once material has completed the recycling process.

The consultation also suggests that national protocols used to estimate recycling rates could be subject to periodic review, potentially every three years, to reflect changes in waste composition.

Commenting on the proposals, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: “Through our proposed reforms, we will support our recycling sector by stamping out fraudulent activity and boosting recycling rates.

“I encourage all packaging producers, reprocessors, and exporters to engage with our consultation, aimed at ensuring a level playing field for all businesses.”

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Compliance Mechanisms Under Review

Defra is also seeking feedback on potential mechanisms to support compliance in situations where PRNs or PERNs are in limited supply.

Two approaches are outlined:

• A fee-based option that would allow producers to meet their obligations without PRNs in exceptional circumstances
• A provision enabling limited use of evidence from the following compliance year

Both options are described as contingency measures, intended for use only when standard compliance routes are not available.

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.”

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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.

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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.

PackUK has alerted packaging producers to a rise in fake invoices being circulated by email.

Legitimate Notices of Liability (NoLs) were issued to obligated producers last month, outlining the charges they will be required to pay under the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.

Since then, the scheme administrator has become aware of counterfeit NoLs being sent out, some of which falsely claim to provide “recalculated” figures.

PackUK stressed that no recalculated notices are being released at this point in the process. Should any genuine amendments be necessary, producers will receive an entirely new notice directly through the official channels.

Producers are being urged not to interact with links or attachments in unexpected emails. Instead, they should log in to their Report Packaging Data (RPD) accounts to verify and pay any invoices.
PackUK also reiterated that it will never issue payment links by email and warned that fraudsters may also attempt to contact producers by phone or post.

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Understanding pEPR Payments

The current NoLs are based on packaging data from 2024 and reflect the cost of managing household packaging waste between April 2025 and March 2026. From 2026 onwards, fees under the EPR system will be influenced by the recyclability of packaging, assessed using PackUK’s Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM).

PackUK’s enforcement framework states that producers who fail to meet payment deadlines may face variable monetary penalties. These are calculated as whichever is higher:

• 20% of the outstanding fees, or
• 5% of UK turnover for a single registered entity, or 2% of UK group turnover for organisations registered as a group.

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If you think you’ve been targeted by fraud

Producers who are unsure about the authenticity of any communication, or who suspect they may have fallen victim to a scam, are encouraged to contact the EPR support team at eprcustomerservice@defra.gov.uk.

PackUK noted that fraud attempts tend to increase during busy periods, such as when official notices are being sent out, and urged producers to remain vigilant.

The Environment Agency (EA) has updated its public records in line with the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules for packaging with a new producer register.

The update replaces the old “large producer list” with a refreshed online register of producers, which is now updated daily.

The aim is to increase visibility around which businesses are complying with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024.

The new register includes details such as:

• Whether a company is categorised as a large or small producer
• Its producer registration number
• Its Companies House number

You can view the producers' public register here.

All businesses listed have registered for the 2025 compliance year and will therefore need to meet their packaging responsibilities under pEPR. Producers who should register but have not yet done so will not appear in the register.

Compliance Scheme Register

Alongside the producer register, a second public list has been created covering packaging compliance schemes.

These schemes, authorised by regulators in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, exist to support businesses in fulfilling their legal requirements. This includes registering and reporting packaging data.

While schemes cannot enrol producers directly into the data reporting system or pay disposal-related costs, they are permitted to cover registration fees on behalf of members and to file packaging data with regulators.

You can view the compliance scheme public register here.

Fees Under pEPR

For producers in 2025, the key financial obligation will be payment of the base fee, which PackUK (the Scheme Administrator) is expected to invoice in October.

Defra confirmed the final base fees in June 2025, issuing them alongside a Regulatory Position Statement. At the same time, it published a breakdown of expected payment amounts for local authorities across the UK.

Most of these payments, which in many cases run into the millions, are scheduled for November this year.

PackUK has released essential invoicing guidance and a recommendation checklist, which can be found on their website here.

The Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) unveiled its FlexCollect report at the UK Parliament this week (1 September 2025), with encouraging results for flexible plastic packaging.

The report draws together insights from more than three years of trials, offering a blueprint for rolling out kerbside collections of items such as bread bags, crisp packets and other plastic film.

Over the course of the initiative, 10 pilot councils covering around 160,000 households took part in the trial.

Together, they collected over 400 tonnes of flexible plastics – equivalent to more than 50 million bread bags.

It was formally launched at the Houses of Parliament, at an event hosted by Amanda Hack MP and attended by Mary Creagh CBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra.

These findings arrive ahead of the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, which will make flexible plastics collections mandatory from 2027.

Key Results From The Trials

The report concludes that flexible plastics can be “effectively collected” across a range of service types, with minimal disruption to existing operations. Trials tested both dedicated bags and mixed-collection approaches.

Close to 90% of the material collected was target packaging, with contamination levels remaining low. The quality of material was considered “very clean”, reflecting positive household sorting behaviours.

Recycling outcomes were also promising, with recovery rates of around 80% when reprocessed into flakes or pellets, and up to 100% for applications such as plastic timber.

The trials revealed little effect on local authority collection rounds. Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) involved in the programme successfully integrated the material without significant operational changes, though in some cases minor upgrades – such as adding bays or conveyors – were required.

Next Steps for the Flexible Plastic Fund

Looking ahead, the report highlights a shortfall in UK recycling infrastructure to meet the anticipated 2027 demand.

However, with around 100,000 tonnes of new or planned domestic facilities, along with spare European processing capacity, much of this gap could be bridged.

The blueprint calls for accelerated investment in UK reprocessing plants and the development of reliable end markets for recycled film products.

The FPF confirmed it will continue building on the success of FlexCollect by conducting deeper research into recycling systems for flexible plastics.

The project was supported by FPF members, including Mars UK, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever and a wide range of food and FMCG brands, alongside funding from Defra, Innovate UK and other partners.

PackUK has announced the individuals selected to sit on three newly formed voluntary advisory groups.

The bodies are designed to provide expert perspectives on the rollout of the producer Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.

These groups – which will meet four times a year and work alongside the Scheme Administrator Steering Group – will contribute specialist knowledge to help shape the programme’s guidance, processes and overall delivery.

Earlier in 2025, PackUK invited applications from those interested in joining, with the deadline for submissions closing on 24 March.

The Advisory Groups

• Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee (RAM TAC): This panel will advise on packaging sustainability and the ongoing development of the recyclability assessment methodology (RAM). It will also handle technical questions about packaging materials and report findings back to PackUK.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness Technical Advisory Committee (E&E TAC): Operating as an independent discussion forum, this group will share expertise and recommendations to improve local authority and waste management practices across the UK.
• Communications and Behaviour Change Advisory Group (CBCAG): This team will support the design of communication strategies aimed at encouraging greater public engagement with recycling initiatives.

While none of the panels hold decision-making powers, PackUK emphasised that members bring a broad mix of operational knowledge and policy expertise, which will help reinforce the effectiveness of the scheme.

You can view the full list of appointed members here.

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About PackUK

PackUK officially launched on 21 January 2025 as the appointed administrator for the UK’s pEPR scheme.

Its responsibilities include setting and collecting producer fees, and distributing funds to local authorities.

According to Defra, the pEPR system is expected to generate more than £1 billion annually to support household recycling and waste services.

PackUK, formerly the Scheme Administrator, has officially published the final base fees for packaging producers under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for 2025. These fees, anticipated since the provisional figures in December 2024, will be invoiced in October and are payable in four instalments.

The newly released figures show notable reductions across most material categories:

• Glass sees the largest cut, dropping by 20%
• Aluminium is down 38.9%
• Steel is down 15.1%
• Fibre-based Composite is the only category to rise, increasing by 1.3%

This comes as welcome news, particularly for those impacted by the previously high glass charges.

The fee calculation is based on household packaging tonnages (excluding some DRS-covered drinks packaging), combined with “binned” packaging data. For glass, a separate estimate of 2.05 million tonnes was used, due to inconsistencies in DRS implementation across the UK. Based on this, it is expected that the EPR scheme will raise £1.46 billion in 2025, with glass’s share decreasing slightly and plastic’s increasing.

In addition to the base fees, a Regulatory Position Statement confirmed that producers will not face enforcement if they omit the Recyclability Assessment Methodology from their first-half 2025 data, although they must still distinguish between rigid and flexible plastics.

Defra is also reviewing the definition of household packaging, particularly the controversial “dual-use” category, which has disproportionately affected the hospitality sector. Furthermore, the government acknowledged systemic issues in PRN/PERN and waste export systems, especially for glass and plastic.

A government spokesperson reaffirmed the importance of EPR in driving recycling reforms, with over £1 billion expected annually, supporting both environmental goals and economic growth.

The UK-wide ban on single-use vapes is now less than two months away, with enforcement beginning on 1 June 2025.

The legislation, announced in October 2024, applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It will ban the sale of all single-use, disposable vapes - regardless of nicotine content - sold both in-store and online.

The ban aims to address growing concerns around environmental damage and youth vaping.

Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.”

The government estimates that nearly five million disposable vapes are thrown away or littered each week in the UK. These products, which often contain lithium-ion batteries, contribute to fire risks and pose challenges for waste facilities.

Under the new rules, reusable vapes will remain legal, provided they are both rechargeable and refillable. Devices with coils must allow for easy replacement by consumers, ensuring they meet sustainability standards.

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Guidance on the vape ban

In January 2025, Defra issued guidance to help businesses comply with the upcoming restrictions.

Retailers must remove all unsold single-use vapes from sale by 1 June, store them securely off the shop floor or website, and arrange for their proper recycling.

The guidance also reinforces the legal requirement for distributors to offer a “take back” scheme for used vape products, even after the ban comes into effect.

Defra has also outlined the penalties for non-compliance.

In England, civil sanctions such as £200 fines will be issued for initial breaches. However, repeated offences could result in unlimited fines or up to two years in prison.

In Wales, similar penalties apply, while Scotland and Northern Ireland may impose fines of up to £5,000.

Retailers and distributors are reminded that the deadline of 1 June 2025 is fast approaching. The full guidance is available on the Defra website to support compliance and ensure a smooth transition away from single-use vaping products.

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Support for the ban

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has urged retailers to support the transition by educating consumers.

CEO Gillian Golden said: “As the single-use vape ban approaches, the transition to refillable and rechargeable devices presents an invaluable opportunity to go beyond recycling. Embracing these sustainable alternatives not only reduces waste but also sets a new standard for environmentally conscious vaping.”

Public support for the ban is strong, with 69% of respondents to a government consultation in February 2024 backing the proposal.

The measure is widely seen as a step towards a circular economy, promoting the reuse of valuable resources and protecting public health.

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View our previous stories on the UK-wide single-use vape ban... "UK to Ban Single-Use Vapes from June 2025 [24.10.24]" and "Defra announced that it has banned the use of single-use vapes in the UK [01.02.24]".

The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has delivered a speech outlining the next stages of moving towards a circular economy in the UK.

The move is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change”. In his speech, Reed pledged “to end throwaway culture” and “make reuse and repair the norm”.

Central to this plan is the work of the Circular Economy Taskforce. It was confirmed that the Taskforce has identified its first five priority sectors: textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics. The group will now engage with these industries to develop tailored roadmaps aimed at improving and reforming material use.

Reed also stated that the government’s Circular Economy Strategy, set to be published in the autumn, will be supported by these roadmaps.

Concluding his speech, he addressed UK businesses directly: “My ask from you is simple. Please tell the taskforce, and tell me, what you need from us. Then work with us so we can make it happen.”

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The Circular Economy Taskforce

The government established the Circular Economy Taskforce in December 2024 to develop the UK’s first strategy for transitioning to a circular economy. The Taskforce is chaired by Andrew Morlet, former CEO of the Dame Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Morlet said: “Transitioning to a circular economy is an ambitious but crucial goal as this government kickstarts economic growth and turns Britain into a clean energy superpower.

“I welcome the vision set out by the Environment Secretary at this critical juncture in our journey. Our Taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to ensure we maximise its potential fully by creating jobs, increasing resource efficiency and accelerating the path to net zero.”

Libby Peake, head of resource policy at the Green Alliance and a member of the taskforce, added: “Waste is baked into our current economic system and causes us harm on so many levels. It’s degrading our environment and international supply chains to the extent that economic shocks become inevitable. It adds a cost burden to the businesses’ bottom lines and frustrates people who are fed up with shoddy products, blatant waste and litter.

“But as the Environment Secretary outlines today, it really doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s great to hear his vision for how innovative, circular businesses will thrive in the UK in future. It’s an incredible opportunity to help bring about this change as part of the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce.”

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.

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View our previous story on pEPR, "UK Government Advances pEPR Legislation [25/10/2024]"