The UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched an administrator for its Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme.
Called PackUK, the administrator will pass on the cost of recycling packaging to converters, producers, and suppliers, following the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
PackUK will set pEPR’s fees, raise the fees from obligated producers, and make packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities in return for the delivery of better collection and recycling services.
“The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical,” said Dr Margaret Bates, head of PackUK.
“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,” she added.
The EPR scheme is scheduled to go live in October 2025. Its rollout was delayed by one year in October 2024, although the wider system, including the collection and reporting of packaging data, has been required since October 2023.
At the time, Defra said the scheme’s deferral should provide industry, local authorities, and waste management companies with more time to prepare to ensure its success.
With the appointment of the new administrator, the scheme seems to finally be moving forward.
Alongside the workplace recycling scheme Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, the pEPR scheme is expected to stimulate GBP 10 billion investment in recycling services and infrastructure across the UK over the next 10 years, Defra said in a statement. In England alone, it has the potential to create 21,000 new jobs.
“The new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations offer a once in a generation opportunity for the UK to develop a world-class recycling system and create a truly circular economy,” commented Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at the Food and Drink Federation.
“This will mean that 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. We’re pleased to be working closely with PackUK to ensure that this multi-billion-pound investment produces real results for the nation.”
PackUK will also be responsible for public communications and information campaigns to encourage the public to dispose of packaging waste correctly.