Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is a new UK legislation aimed at making producers fully responsible for managing packaging waste costs. The EPR fee structure includes Environmental Regulator Fees, covering Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) and Environment Agency fees, and Scheme Administrator Fees, which cover recycling costs for household and public bin packaging waste. The implementation of these fees has been deferred until 2025, based on 2024 data. From 2026, fees will be modulated to encourage the use of sustainable packaging.
Importers of packaged goods into the UK are also subject to EPR fees if they meet certain criteria, such as having a turnover of £1 million or more and importing over 25 tonnes of packaging annually. Both producers and importers must report their packaging data, with the first payments due in 2025.
Trade organisations have raised concerns over the high estimated costs of EPR fees. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) warns that the fees could add up to 7p per bottle of beer, amounting to over £200 million annually, potentially increasing prices for consumers. The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) shares concerns, highlighting that the provisional costs are higher than anticipated and the introduction of these fees may lead to uncertainty and business challenges. Both organisations call for further delays and reconsideration of the fee structure.
