UK Packaging PRO has appointed Kerry Easter as its new Chief Executive Officer, with Karen Graley taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer as the producer responsibility organisation prepares to move beyond its initial set-up phase.

The appointments mark the next stage in the development of the UK's packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) scheme operator, which represents more than 100 major producers, retailers and trade associations.

UK Packaging PRO has been established with support from a number of industry organisations, including the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN).

Announcing the appointments, Chair Sebastian Munden said: "Kerry brings exceptional international experience of leading complex supply chains, transforming organisations and embedding sustainability across major consumer businesses.

"Karen brings deep expertise in packaging policy and producer responsibility, alongside the operational knowledge and relationships developed through UK Packaging PRO's establishment and mobilisation.

"Their complementary experience will give the organisation the strategic leadership, continuity and operational focus it needs for its next stage of development."

Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive of PackUK, also welcomed the appointments.

He said: "These appointments are an important step for UK Packaging PRO as it moves from mobilisation into delivery.

"Together, they give UK Packaging PRO the leadership, operational discipline and stakeholder focus needed to help build an effective, efficient and evidence-led packaging EPR system across the UK."

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Kerry Easter Appointed as PRO CEO

Easter joins the organisation after a career spanning supply chains, manufacturing, quality, innovation and business transformation across the food, drinks, beauty, personal care and retail sectors.

Before joining UK Packaging PRO, she was Global Head of Category Supply Chain for Gin, Rum and Vodka at Diageo.

Her previous roles also include senior positions at Unilever and The Estée Lauder Companies, while she was also a co-founder of Rituals.

Easter commented: "I'm delighted to be joining Sebastian, Karen and the team in this exciting growth phase of UK Packaging PRO and wider packaging circularity across the UK.

"My immediate priority will be to engage with the organisation's partners and stakeholders, taking input to build on the foundations already established.

"We will ensure that UK Packaging PRO develops the appropriate strategies, capability and discipline required for a successful next phase."

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Karen Graley to Oversee PRO Operations

As Chief Operating Officer, Graley will be responsible for developing UK Packaging PRO's operational capability, governance and delivery arrangements.

She has been closely involved in the organisation's establishment and mobilisation and brings experience across retail, FMCG, packaging, environmental compliance and producer responsibility. Graley added:

"I am looking forward to building UK Packaging PRO into an organisation that is trusted by producers, respected by its partners and recognised for delivering practical results."

"I look forward to working alongside Kerry, our Board, our growing team, PackUK and partners across the value chain to build the capability, relationships and momentum needed to make packaging EPR work effectively and deliver meaningful, measurable improvements."

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.