Brands join next phase of EPR Data Sandbox to shape fair fee system for SMEs
19/11/2024
UKFT members Margaret Howell, TBCo and John Smedley are taking part in the next phase of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Data Sandbox project. The three-month project, funded by UKFT and operated by WEFT, aims to gather data and develop a fair and balanced EPR fee system tailored to the UK, particularly looking at SME brands.
EPR policy places the responsibility on producers to fund collection, sorting and recycling of products discarded by consumers. Typically, this involves a fee on each item sold to cover its future disposal costs and encourage more sustainable product design.
An effective EPR policy is tailored to local needs and industry-specific targets, to make it easier and more cost-effective to collect, sort, reuse and recycle textiles.
For an EPR policy to work, it needs to be a co-ordinated effort, bringing together brands and retailers of all sizes. SMEs are the backbone of the fashion industry, so an EPR system must include them in a fair and practical way.
UKFT believes it is important to design a system that includes SMEs in a meaningful way without the burden of excessive reporting requirements, while still encouraging positive actions. A flexible system can reward good practices, keep funds within the industry and support innovation. This way, SMEs can benefit, try new ideas and help create a system that works for businesses of all sizes. To be fair, the EPR system should ensure SMEs have a voice and equal opportunities.
This builds on previous work with QSA Partners to explore the implications of EPR fees for the UK apparel and textile industry. The next phase of the project will provide a broader view of data to ultimately better prepare the entire sector for any implementation of an EPR system.
Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “We’re really pleased to see our members stepping up to participate in this vital phase of the EPR Data Sandbox project. Their efforts will help shape a fair, balanced and inclusive EPR system that works for businesses of all sizes, especially SMEs which make up the majority of our sector. We know EPR is coming so this work is crucial to ensure we can help to design a system that is effective, fair and as easy to implement for as many as possible.”
Kristina Bull, co-founder of WEFT, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing the next phase of the Sandbox project with UKFT and working with the three SMEs. It is vital we create an EPR system that enables SMEs to participate in a meaningful way and does not cripple them with rigid reporting expectations. By consulting with businesses now we can trial new concepts and ideas, and make sure the system created works for all businesses whatever their size.”
Margaret Howell is pleased to have been chosen by UKFT to collaborate with WEFT on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation sandbox. This will allow the company to contribute to shaping the UK EPR system and to gain an early understanding of how it might impact business when implemented.
Sarah Coleman
Head of Development & Design, Margaret Howell
TBCo is a proud B Corp-certified brand, on a mission to create easy-to-style statement pieces to elevate your outfit and home. Committed to shaping a sustainable future, we view this responsibility as an opportunity to drive meaningful impact while fostering innovation and accountability. We’re honoured to join UKFT’s EPR Sandbox project in partnership with Weft, gaining actionable insights to navigate the UK’s evolving EPR legislation. This initiative strengthens our dedication to sustainability, aiming for a fair and streamlined process for all.
Emma Roberstson
Head of Product, TBCo
As part of the original project chaired by UKFT & QSA partners, I am happy to continue working on the Sandbox Project and help to deliver a fair system that can be sustainably achieved by all. As an SME company we have a significant role to play to ensure that the modulation process is fairly created, administered and policed and how we can quickly produce data that can be scaled and analysed.
Tim Clark
Technical Director, John Smedley
Find out more about the EPR Data Sandbox project and UKFT’s further work to support sustainability and innovation in the UK fashion and textile industry on the links below.