Mandatory marking of packaging, using the OPRL “Swoosh” symbol was due to be introduced in the UK on 01 April 2027 as part of the UK’s EPR for packaging legislation. However, on 24 September, DEFRA announced that the obligation for mandatory marking will be removed from the draft UK legislation. This is a temporary position. Mandatory labelling will likely be added to UK legislation through a later amendment, expected to come into force in January 2025.

This decision was made in order to have a consistent approach to labelling across the UK. Due to the complexities of the Windsor Agreement, and in order to avoid an approach to packaging marking that does not increase cost or create complexity for businesses trading across the UK, DEFRA will review the forthcoming EU packaging legislation to explore the potential for a UK wide consistent approach to packaging labelling.

UK businesses should continue, voluntarily, to label packaging to help end users recycle packaging correctly. The OPRL “Swoosh” symbol is currently only available for use to members of OPRL

Valpak UK Packaging EPR free of charge support services to UKFT members:

UKFT members that are categorised as Small organisations can request a free of charge assessment of their current UK Packaging EPR obligations from UKFT Associate Member Valpak and gain access to Valpak member-only newsletters and webinars. Email info@ukft.org for more information.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be a current UKFT member
• With an annual turnover between £1 million and £2 million, and responsible for supplying or importing more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK
• With an annual turnover is over £1 million, and responsible for supplying or importing between 25 tonnes and 50 tonnes of packaging in the UK

Businesses that are not yet within the scope of the legislation i.e., a turnover under 1 million, can request a free 1-2-1 EPR technical support session, plus have access to Valpak events and fortnightly industry News Update briefings. Email info@ukft.org for more information.