FDF & INCPEN collaboration appointed as EPR Producer Responsibility Organisation
PackUK has today confirmed the appointment of 'UK Packaging PRO' as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme — a key step in Government’s long-term vision for the scheme.
UK Packaging PRO is primarily a joint venture between the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN). The application process for the appointment of a PRO was carried out last year, with applicants asked to demonstrate how they will ensure industry expertise will be made central to pEPR.
UK Packaging PRO will formally begin its role on 1 April 2026, with specific responsibilities being delegated from PackUK over time. Whilst for the time being PackUK will continue to retain key administrative functions, under the pEPR legislation the PRO may eventually lead on key activities such as setting producer fees, the criteria for fee modulation and the assessment of the local authority performance.
Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh CBE MP, emphasised Government support for the new PRO-led model, highlighting the central role that pEPR will play in accelerating the shift to sustainable packaging and improving recycling services nationwide. She commented:
"Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme will incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices and enhance recycling services across every region. The launch of UK Packaging PRO is a major step forward — ensuring industry expertise supports how the scheme is delivered."
The announcement constitutes a positive step for the UK’s pEPR scheme, and should ensure value chain expertise is reflected fully in decision-making, whilst working toward increased recycling and sustainable packaging practices. Although FMCG packaging constitutes a large proportion of total UK tonnage being placed on the market, it will be important to ensure the entire packaging industry is represented by the PRO.
“We welcome the news that UK Packaging PRO has been appointed to work alongside packaging compliance schemes and PackUK to improve the pEPR system. While compliance schemes will continue to collectively help producers to comply with the laws, it is important that there is a unified voice for producers that provides insight and feedback to PackUK on the functioning of the system. It will take some time to set up and grow the new organisation but we look forward to collaborating to ensure that the pEPR funds deliver more circular systems for packaging in the UK.”
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