The government has confirmed that the introduction of mandatory kerbside collections for plastic films and flexible packaging in England has been postponed until 1 April 2030.

Under the original Simpler Recycling regulations, councils were due to begin collecting these materials from households by 31 March 2027.

However, following ongoing concerns about the availability of processing infrastructure and viable end markets, Defra has delayed the requirement by three years.

The department announced the change last week, with updates to the Simpler Recycling regulations expected to be made during the next parliamentary session.

The postponed requirement covers a range of commonly used flexible plastic packaging, including crisp packets, bread bags and reusable shopping bags.

Gareth Rollings, Chair of the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC), said: "LARAC welcomes the Government's intention to move the mandatory collection date for plastic films and flexibles to 1 April 2030.

"This reflects the concerns that our members have consistently raised about the readiness of the wider system and the financial and operational consequences for local authorities.

"The additional three years must now be used constructively by government and industry to build that infrastructure and provide local authorities with the clarity they need to plan."

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The challenge of flexible packaging

Flexible packaging is often made from multiple polymers – including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PET and others – combined with inks, adhesives and barrier layers such as aluminium.

These multi-material structures deliver performance benefits but complicate both mechanical and chemical recycling.

At the same time, recycled flexible plastics struggle to compete with virgin polymer produced in large-scale, highly optimised facilities. Recycling plants tend to operate at far smaller scale, with higher costs and less mature technology.

The FlexCollect programme, which concluded in September 2025, found that although collections could be successfully introduced, the UK still lacks enough recycling and reprocessing capacity to deal with the volumes expected once mandatory collections are rolled out nationwide.

The UK government has opened a consultation on potential changes to the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), including stricter verification rules for recycled plastic claims.

Issued by HMRC on 18 May 2026, the consultation will run for 12 weeks and examine whether companies seeking PPT exemptions should provide certified proof for mechanically recycled plastic used in packaging.

The government says the review is intended to address concerns about inaccurate or potentially fraudulent declarations relating to recycled content.

It is also gathering feedback on the possible introduction of compulsory third-party certification for packaging that contains mechanically recycled plastics.

This follows earlier announcements confirming that chemically recycled plastics will require certification from April 2027, alongside the adoption of a mass balance accounting approach under the PPT framework.

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The Plastic Packaging Tax

Introduced in April 2022, the Plastic Packaging Tax was designed to encourage greater use of recycled plastics in packaging production.

Packaging made with 30% or more recycled plastic is exempt from the levy. Packaging that falls below this threshold is currently taxed at a rate of £228.82 per tonne.

HMRC stated that businesses and industry groups have continued to express concerns about the reliability of evidence used to support recycled content declarations, particularly where imported packaging is involved.

The consultation document says certification requirements could help reduce the likelihood of false or inaccurate claims, create more consistent evidence standards, and strengthen enforcement efforts.

Although HMRC noted that it currently has limited evidence of widespread fraud, organisations such as the British Plastics Federation (BPF) and RECOUP have repeatedly argued for more robust verification procedures.

Much of the concern relates to imported materials and the challenge of tracking recycled content across complex international supply chains.

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Proposed Certification Model

Rather than introducing a single mandatory certification provider, the government is considering a system in which businesses could select from approved third-party schemes that meet defined legal criteria.

The proposed schemes would focus on traceability and chain-of-custody checks for recycled materials, with inspections carried out by accredited auditors.

If implemented, companies across the supply chain – including recyclers and packaging manufacturers – would need certification for the PPT exemption to apply.

Importers would likewise be expected to secure valid certification from overseas suppliers.

HMRC added that the proposed framework would closely mirror the certification system currently being developed for chemically recycled plastic packaging.

The consultation period ends on 10 August 2026, and responses will help shape any future legislative changes.

The UK Government will cover a funding shortfall in the first year of packaging for Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR). This ensures Local Authorities receive the required funding, and liable producers will not face increased Local Authority (LA) Disposal Fees for the 2025 Compliance Year.

This follows recent uncertainty after PackUK identified a reduction in the overall reported tonnage had lowered the expected fee income originally forecasted.

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How the Shortfall Arose

As obligated producers became more confident in the new reporting requirements and calculated more accurate data, many resubmitted their data in line with guidance which resulted in a reduction in household packaging tonnage.

As the resubmissions lowered total liable tonnage, this directly reduced the funding collected for LA Disposal Fees at the initial base rate, therefore reducing the overall forecasted funds.

Under normal circumstances, this would have triggered a recalculation of the base fee rates and the reissue of Notices of Liability (NoLs) to liable producers, potentially raising costs at a very late stage in the compliance period.

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Government Intervention

To ensure the stability of EPR and avoid additional burden on producers, the Government has stepped in to close the funding gap as a one-time measure, ensuring the initial LA Disposal Fee rates remain unchanged. PackUK has confirmed that the tonnage-based base fees producers received in October 2025 will remain as is, protecting businesses from unexpected cost increases.

This intervention also secures the full funding committed to Local Authorities for 2025/26 waste collection and recycling services. This enables councils to proceed with planned service improvements to infrastructure.

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Updated Notices for Resubmitted Data

Updated NoLs will be issued by the end of March 2026 to producers who resubmitted and had their 2024 packaging data approved by the regulator. These updated notices will reflect the initial base fee rates, thanks to the Government’s decision to cover the shortfall.

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Impact on Producers

For most producers, the implications are straightforward:

• LA Disposal Base Fee rates for the 2025 Compliance Year remain unchanged.
• No action is required if the October 2025 NoL has already been paid or is under a payment plan.
• Producers who resubmitted their household data will receive updated NoLs by the end of March.
• Producers who submitted household data for the first time after the October NoLs were issued will also receive a NoL by the end of March.

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Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Future Years

While the Government has stepped in for Year 1, Defra has been clear that this is very unlikely to occur again. From Year 2 onwards, similar funding gaps will likely result in recalculated invoices and higher fees for producers.

To reduce the risk of late-stage recalculations in future years, PackUK is taking measure to mitigate the risk by looking to tighten household data resubmission deadlines and improving guidance to support more accurate first-time reporting. These measures are expected to stabilise data inputs and reduce the need for such recalculations later in the compliance period.

As one of the UK’s largest compliance schemes, representing more than 1500 producers, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with PackUK, Defra and the regulators to ensure operational efficiency for all stakeholders.

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Previous pEPR Stories:

'PackUK Publishes RAM-integrated pEPR Indicative Fees for 2026 [20.12.25]'

'pEPR Amendments Move Forward After Commons Approval [18.12.25]'

Wastepack will be exhibiting at Packaging Innovations 2026, the UK’s leading event for forward thinking brands, manufacturers, and sustainability professionals.

With the packaging landscape evolving rapidly – particularly around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – this year’s event provides the perfect platform to share how Wastepack is helping over 1,500+ producers simplify compliance and prepare for the future.

Visit Us on Stand J160

Register Your Free Place Here

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We welcome visitors to meet the team, and discuss how we can support you with compliance, data, and sustainability. Our stand will be easy to spot – complete with our darts challenge – and our experts ready to help with any questions around EPR, data reporting, sustainability strategy, and more.

Showcasing Our Service Offering

At our stand, visitors will be able to explore the full breadth of Wastepack Group services, including:

• Packaging EPR compliance support, backed by over 25 years of expertise helping producers navigate evolving legislation.
• Packaging Data Consultancy, providing precise, end to end support for accurate EPR submissions.
• RAM Data Service, streamlining recyclability assessments with our purpose‑built tool and expert guidance to minimise Red penalties, and strengthen procurement decisions.
• Plastic Packaging Tax support, including data collection, evidence gathering and HMRC ready reporting.
• Carbon Accounting & Net Zero services delivered with Smart Carbon to help businesses measure emissions, develop reduction strategies, and report with confidence.

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What Sets Wastepack Apart

• Packaging Innovations is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn why so many producers choose Wastepack as their long term compliance partner. Our value lies in
• Decades of specialist expertise, from EPR and WEEE to PPT, carbon management and more.
• Comprehensive, full service support, from data management to reporting, training webinars, platform access, and detailed legislative updates.
• Dedicated personal account management, ensuring every member receives tailored, responsive guidance.
• Long‑standing industry trust, strengthened by positive member feedback and a track record of dependable, knowledgeable service.

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Try Your Luck at Our Darts Challenge!

While you’re visiting us at Stand J160, don’t miss our Wastepack darts competition – a fun challenge open to all attendees. Step up, take six throws, and aim for the highest score of the event for your chance to win a £50 prize voucher.

It’s a great way to take a break from the busy show floor, enjoy some friendly competition, and chat with our team!

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Join Us at Packaging Innovations

Whether you’re preparing for your next EPR submission, looking for ways to reduce packaging‑related costs, or searching for a proactive partner to support your compliance and sustainability strategy, we look forward to connecting with you.

Visit us on Stand J160 to meet the team and discover how Wastepack can make your compliance simpler and smarter.

The UK Government has formally submitted draft amendments to the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) regulations for Parliamentary approval.

These revisions introduce a number of technical and operational updates intended to fine-tune the scheme, which first came into effect in January 2025.

If approved, the amended regulations are scheduled to take effect from January 2026. They aim to address several issues identified during the first year of pEPR implementation.

PackUK previously outlined its expected pEPR milestones up to 2030 in the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) Roadmap 2025–2030, published in October 2025.

Updated Packaging Definitions

One of the key technical changes relates to the definition of “fibre-based composite material”, which will now be aligned with the RAM.

Under the revised definition, the term covers packaging made primarily from paperboard or paper fibres combined with one or more plastic layers that cannot be manually separated.

Where a fibre-based composite contains a plastic layer accounting for less than 5% of its total weight, producers will now classify it under the paper/board category instead of listing it as a composite.

The amendments also grant PackUK broader authority to refine the criteria used for modulated fees, allowing charges to reflect whether packaging is “reasonably necessary” and proportionate for its intended purpose.

Closed Loop Collection and Recycling

For the first time, businesses operating closed loop collection and recycling systems will be able to deduct the tonnage they collect and recycle from their EPR obligations.

Producers will be able to report this material separately, provided they collect food-grade plastic packaging directly from households, recycle it without mixing it with other producers’ waste and can demonstrate that it has been reprocessed back into food-grade material.

The amendments also clarify rules for corporate mergers, confirming that the newly formed entity will be treated as a large producer if either of the original organisations held that status.

Producer Responsibility Organisations

PackUK has been granted the ability to appoint one or more Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs).

These industry-led bodies may be authorised to carry out specific functions for PackUK or to provide expert advice on how the scheme should operate.

PackUK must obtain the consent of all four UK nations before making any final appointments. Applications for PRO status are now open.

The newly established UK Deposit Management Organisation (UK DMO) has been announced as the official operator of the UK’s forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

Scheduled to launch in October 2027, the DRS will apply to single-use plastic and metal drinks containers ranging from 150ml to three litres across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Consumers will pay a deposit on these items, which can be reclaimed by returning the containers at designated takeback points.

The scheme aims to boost recycling rates and keep more drinks containers in circulation, supporting the transition towards a circular economy.

In a joint statement, the UK DMO board said: “DRS is an opportunity to deliver a transformational step forward in the circular economy in the UK, and the appointment of the DMO is a major milestone in that journey.

“We don’t underestimate the scale of the challenge, but our aim is simple – to build a system that’s fair, efficient and easy to use.

“Our work is already underway, and we’ll be working closely with governments, businesses of all sizes, environmental groups and consumer bodies to move forward as quickly as possible.”

The UK DMO, a not-for-profit entity formed by industry stakeholders, will be responsible for designing and operating key elements of the scheme.

This includes producer registration, logistics, financial systems, fraud prevention and public communications.

CEO of Wastepack, Paul Van Danzig, said: “The formation of the DMO is a crucial milestone in the journey toward a successful DRS for drinks containers in the UK. While there are still significant challenges ahead – especially around timelines, interoperability, and clarity for obligated producers and retailers – this development provides a strong foundation for progress. We look forward to working collaboratively to ensure the scheme delivers both meaningful environmental benefits and a fair, efficient system for all involved.”

The Scottish Government has also confirmed the UK DMO as its scheme administrator.

The organisation’s board includes representatives from large and small producers, supermarkets, convenience stores and wholesalers. Founding members include Shepley Spring, Radnor Hills, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Heineken UK,

Lidl, Tesco and Co-op. The company was incorporated on 26 February 2025 and is currently recruiting an independent chair and non-executive director.

Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, welcomed the appointment, calling for a well-designed DRS that benefits both businesses and consumers while supporting national recycling goals.

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]"

Defra has announced that paper and cardboard must be collected separately under the forthcoming Simpler Recycling regulations, effective from March 2025. Councils and waste collectors will be required to adhere to a “default requirement” of separating waste into four streams:

• Residual (non-recyclable) waste
• Food waste (or mixed with garden waste where suitable)
• Paper and card
• Other dry recyclable materials

The policy update, released on 29 November 2024, allows local authorities and waste collectors to tailor these requirements to their specific needs while maintaining flexibility. Alongside the announcement, new guidance has been issued to workplaces and waste collectors, requiring the separation of dry recyclables, food waste, and black-bin residual waste.

Workplaces must comply by March 2025, with micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) granted until March 2027. Organisations will have the flexibility to determine container sizes and collection frequencies based on their waste output but must separate streams effectively.

Paul Sanderson, CEO of The Recycling Association, praised the move as a balanced approach: “Having paper and card collected separately by default, while allowing flexibility when impractical, should help improve the quality of recyclable materials from homes and businesses.”

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) also welcomed the update. Dimitra Rappou, CPI’s Executive Director of Sustainable Products, highlighted the importance of reducing contamination in paper and card recycling streams, calling it a vital step toward improving recyclability and achieving sustainability goals.

Defra has partnered with WRAP to launch the Business of Recycling website, which offers tailored resources, a waste cost calculator, and guidance for schools, hospitals, and other non-domestic premises.

While the update has been broadly welcomed, the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO) expressed concerns about the March 2025 compliance deadline for non-domestic premises, calling it "illogical and impractical."

These reforms aim to streamline recycling systems and support higher-quality waste management practices across the UK.

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View our previous story on Simpler Recycling, 'Defra Announces Simpler Recycling Update [10.06.2024]'.

On 6 November 2024, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) held a key roundtable ahead of the final negotiations (INC-5) for the Global Plastics Treaty, set to take place in Busan, South Korea. The treaty aims to establish a legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.

Chaired by Environment Secretary Steve Reed and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the roundtable gathered businesses across the plastics value chain to address critical elements for inclusion in the treaty. Discussions emphasised the need to address the entire lifecycle of plastics. Participants signed a statement urging for an “ambitious and effective” treaty.

Notable signatories include Tesco, Nestlé, Unilever, Mars, and Waitrose. Organisations interested in endorsing the statement can do so until INC-5 begins on 25 November 2024.

The treaty negotiations follow concerns raised after the April 2024 discussions, which Greenpeace criticised for yielding to fossil fuel and petrochemical industry influence. The INC-5 meeting is viewed as a decisive opportunity to set actionable global standards.

Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, highlighted the urgency of addressing the world’s escalating plastic crisis. "Every year, over 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging are produced. Much of it ends up in landfills, incinerators, or as environmental pollution," Lamb said. Without action, she warned, 30 million tonnes of plastic waste could enter the environment annually by 2040.

Lamb called for INC-5 to deliver “high ambition and actionable strategies” to curb plastic dependency. She stressed the treaty's importance in tackling the pervasive pollution affecting air, water, soil, and even human health, urging businesses and governments to commit to enforceable measures.

INC-5 represents a pivotal moment in global efforts to end the plastic crisis

In its first Autumn Budget, the new Labour government introduced key policies for the waste and sustainability sectors. Notable announcements include adjustments to the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and support for carbon capture, alongside measures aimed at fostering a circular economy.

Mass Balance Approach for Recycled Plastic

In a major development, businesses can now employ a mass balance approach to verify the recycled content in chemically recycled plastic for the PPT. This change, welcomed by industry leaders, encourages investment in advanced chemical recycling and expands markets for recycled content. The British Plastics Federation had advocated for this approach, emphasising that it would drive innovation in recycling practices. Jim Bligh from the Food and Drink Federation praised the policy shift as a critical step in promoting a circular economy, noting that it would create green jobs and stimulate the recycled content market within food-grade packaging.

Increased Funding for Carbon Capture and Green Hydrogen

The budget includes £3.9 billion earmarked for carbon capture and green hydrogen projects across the UK, with 11 commercial-scale projects slated to receive funding. These projects, to be launched in 2025-26, span England, Scotland, and Wales and are intended to propel the UK to the forefront of carbon capture technology. Dave Richardson of the North West Hydrogen Alliance noted the significance of the funding for decarbonising industries and safeguarding thousands of jobs. This support follows a previous announcement of £21.7 billion for Teesside and Merseyside projects, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making the UK a leader in clean energy technology.

Commitment to a Zero-Waste Economy

Further budget details affirm the government’s intent to advance a zero-waste economy through the Collection and Packaging Reforms Programme. The extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme, expected to generate £1.1 billion annually, will fund improvements in recycling rates. To ensure this revenue target is met, the government has promised a contingency fund to make up any shortfall.

Landfill Tax

The Labour government confirmed that Landfill Tax rates will align with adjustments announced earlier by the previous administration. Starting in April 2025, the standard rate will increase to £126.15 per tonne, with a lower rate of £4.05. These increases are aimed at maintaining the tax's real-term value to discourage landfill use.

Industry Reactions

Industry leaders voiced concerns over the budget’s scope. Dr Adam Read of Suez Recycling and Recovery UK appreciated the investment in infrastructure and green hydrogen but criticised the limited focus on the waste sector, noting missed opportunities to support the zero-waste transition. Biffa CEO Michael Topham similarly expressed disappointment, calling for a progressive PPT rate and incentives for decarbonising commercial vehicles. James Rigg of Trojan Electronics also highlighted the absence of VAT relief on repair services, stressing that lower repair costs could encourage sustainable consumer behaviour.

While the budget is viewed as a step toward a greener economy, industry leaders remain hopeful that future policies will provide further support for waste reduction, recycling reforms, and affordable repair services.