EPR for Packaging Delayed

EPR for Packaging Delayed

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This was coming into force as one of many measures to encourage net zero practices. However, at the end of July, the Government announced that EPR packaging is being deferred for a year. Why is this and what does it mean for UK businesses?

What is EPR for Packaging?

At the start of the year, our Packaging Updates 2023 article focused on the introduction of EPR. This applies to any business that produced or used over 25 tonnes of packaging a year, with a turnover exceeding £1 million. Initially, the requirement was that every qualifying company was to record packaging data through 2023. In turn, this would determine payments to be made in 2024, which would be used to fund Council recycling processes.

EPR aims to encourage greater consideration of the volume and types of packaging material used. In addition, it favours those who think circularly, producing packaging that can easily be reused and widely recycled. The scheme has been in the planning stage for 4-5 years and is deemed an important sustainability measure.

Then, at the end of July, the Government announced that EPR for Packaging was being deferred. Although qualifying businesses are still required to record packaging data through 2023 and onwards, no fees are payable until 2025. The reason cited was that this delay was necessary to curb inflation.

Is the EPR Delay a Good Decision?

There is a mixed response to this decision, largely dependent on whether financial or environmental costs are your top priority.

WRAP is one organisation that has expressed frustration at the delay. Its concern is the knock on effect that this will have on other environmentally focused policy reforms. In addition, many Councils were planning developments to improve collection and recycling infrastructure. They are now questioning when promised funding will be available.

In contrast, the British Retail Consortium support the decision, stating that EPR fees would drive up prices at a time when households are struggling.

The Confederation of Paper Industries responded saying that the original timescales were tight and the delay will provide more preparation time for impacted organisations. However, it has made it clear that it would like the Government to work with businesses, councils and other organisations to introduce separate paper and cardboard collections which would increase recycling rates.

Circular Packaging Solutions

Whether enforced by Government policy or not, we believe that every organisation should be taking action to reduce, reuse, refill and recycle packaging. As we’ve said before, there are three steps that can easily be taken:

1. Use best-fit packaging to enhance protection and presentation whilst lowering the volume of material used and negating the need for void fill.
2. Limit the variety of packaging materials used, ideally to just one that is widely recyclable within the UK. Also, provide clear recycling information on the packaging to inform consumers.
3. Design packaging that encourages reuse, as well as being made from widely recycled materials. The more we reuse, the less we need to produce and process.

These steps don’t necessarily increase the cost of packaging, in fact, they can cut both financial and environmental costs. If you take action now, there will also be lower fees to pay when EPR payments are due.

The Case for Cardboard Packaging

As a packaging material that is made from a high percentage of recycled material and one that is widely recycled, corrugated cardboard and cartonboard are sustainable and circular solutions. Our team can advise on ways to encourage the reuse and recycling of cardboard packaging.

Give us a call on 01296 436888 or email enquiries@abcbox.co.uk to benefit from our advice on sustainable cardboard packaging.

Aylesbury Box Company is focused on continuous improvements that move us towards being a net zero company. Through years of action, we have minimised energy and water use, along with reducing waste. In addition, we’ve made considered decisions when choosing suppliers, have encouraged our team to cycle to work and achieved FSC® certification. These actions have lowered our environmental impact, as well as cut costs.