New packaging EPR updates laid in parliament

The UK government has laid draft amendments regarding packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) before UK Parliament on 4 November.     

The draft amendments are expected to pass and be applicable from the beginning of January 2026. They will introduce several key new elements to the pEPR system that producers need to be aware of.  

The most important updates include:  

• The ability for PackUK to appoint a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). Applications are now open and once appointed the PRO – an industry-led body – will help run and make key operational decisions around the management of pEPR and future direction of the scheme.    
• Producers offering closed loop collection and recycling of packaging waste will be able to offset the tonnage from their EPR invoices, under the ‘self-managed consumer waste’ reporting function.    
• PackUK will have the authority to expand the criteria used to modulate pEPR fees and to adjust costs based on whether the packaging used is reasonably necessary and not excessive for its intended purpose   
• The definition of “fibre-based composite material” will be revised to align with that of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Fibre-based composite packaging where the plastic layer constitutes less than 5% of the total weight, will be reported under the paper/board material category instead.  

There will be a number of other minor changes resulting from amending the regulations, which can be reviewed on gov.uk.  

If you have any questions about the upcoming changes, please contact our team for assistance.