Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is here, and modular fees become fully operational in 2025, but do you know what EPR is and how it will impact your business? Do you know what data you need to collect and how much your modular fees will cost?
If not, we can help.
The EPR Scheme
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) replaces the packaging waste regulations 2017. The move shifts the responsibility and cost of waste to the producer. The scheme is designed to encourage producers to consider the packaging being used and the end of life recyclability and ultimate environmental impact of the packaging.
EPR has been around since 2023 and in 2025 the scheme will start to collect modular fees. Funds generated will be used to fund waste sorting, recycling, disposal and other kerbside collection services. The obligation of your business will depend on what type of producer your business is, what type of packaging you use and the size of your business and volume of packaging.
What is a producer?
Anyone who is responsible for putting packaging in to the UK market. This could be a brand owner, distributor, packer/filler, online business, service provider or importer.
What is defined as packaging?
Under the EPR scheme the definition of packaging from government UK guidance is
“Packaging is any material that is used to cover or protect goods that are supplied. It makes handling and delivering goods easier and safer. It includes anything that’s designed to be filled at the point of sale, such as a coffee cup.”
How will this impact my Business?
Under the EPR scheme the obligation of a business will depend on its size and volume of packaging. A large producer will have a full obligation while a small producer will have reporting obligations only. Some producers, depending on turnover and volume of packaging may be free of obligation to the EPR scheme.
Fees will be applicable where the packaging waste is deemed as Household waste i.e. where it is the responsibility of the consumer to dispose of the packaging.
What next?
We are currently working with many of our customers to help them ensure they meet their EPR obligations and have redesigned packaging to reduce the cost of EPR fees, ultimately giving them a packaging solution that will meet their requirements and reduce their environmental impact.
Do you know what Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will mean for your business?