Businesses across the UK face new responsibilities under the government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging. These updates are for companies involved in supplying or importing packaging, as they aim to streamline processes and ensure producers are accountable for the lifecycle of their packaging.

PackUK Launch

In January 2025, PackUK was launched as the new scheme administrator for the EPR programme. PackUK is responsible for implementing the EPR scheme, setting fees, and making packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities. This shift aims to transfer the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers and local authorities to the businesses that use and supply the packaging, following the “polluter pays” principle.

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)

The RAM categorises packaging based on how easily it can be recycled. This categorisation influences the fees producers must pay, incentivising the use of more sustainable materials.

Compliance and enforcement

The Environment Agency monitors compliance through its Packaging Producer Responsibility Monitoring Plan 2025. Businesses must register, submit required data, and ensure payments are made according to the timetable set by regulators. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action.

Public communications

PackUK is also responsible for public communications and information campaigns to encourage correct disposal of packaging waste. These efforts aim to educate consumers on proper recycling practices and reduce littering.

Financial impact

The packaging reforms are expected to stimulate an estimated £10 billion investment in recycling services across the UK over the next 10 years. In England alone, these reforms are projected to support up to 21,000 new jobs.

Key dates

• June 2025: PackUK must publish its strategy, detailing objectives, governance arrangements, and how it plans to achieve the scheme’s outcomes.
• 28 February 2026: PackUK must publish its operational plan for the upcoming financial year, including priorities, forecasts of disposal costs, and public information campaigns.
• December 2025: PackUK must finalise the arrangements for modulated fees, which will begin in 2026.

Modulated Fees: Starting in 2026, the fees companies pay will change based on how recyclable their packaging is. Packaging that is harder to recycle will incur higher fees, while packaging that is easier to recycle will have lower fees.

When businesses need to act

1. Reporting Requirements: Businesses must report detailed data on the packaging they place on the UK market, including the volume and type of materials used and their recyclability. This data must be submitted annually. Businesses were required to submit data for the second half of 2024 by 1 April 2025. The next deadline for submitting data for the first half of 2025 is 1 October 2025.
2. Fee Payments: Producers are required to pay various fees, including charges for waste management, contributions towards the costs of the scheme administrator (PackUK), and standard registration fees.
3. Registration: Businesses must register their organisation and submit the required data to comply with the EPR scheme. Extended producer responsibility for packaging: register and pay the fee – GOV.UK

These updates are part of the broader effort to modernise the UK’s approach to packaging and packaging waste, contributing to the creation of a circular economy and supporting the country’s Net Zero goals.

For more detailed information, you can visit the official UK government page on Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.

UKFT can provide further guidance and support on Global EPR schemes to members. Our compliance team works in partnership with UKFT Associate members specialising in EPR data collecting and reporting to support businesses through this transition. Contact info@ukft.org for more information.

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