UK Packaging Updates 2023

UK Packaging Updates 2023

In our Happy New Year article, we highlighted some goals for 2023. One of these was to help inform customers of EPR regulations aimed to reduce packaging waste. This article is the first step in this process.

Reduce Packaging Waste

To reduce packaging waste and instigate a shift towards Net Zero, Governments across the globe have launched new regulations to govern packaging. France has banned over 30,000 fast-food restaurants from using single-use packaging; reusable plates, cutlery and cups are now mandatory. In Canada, the manufacture and sale of single-use plastic bags and fast-food packaging have been banned.

Here in the UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has become a legal requirement for packaging manufacturers and retailers selling packaged goods. so, what is involved and who needs to comply?

EPR Compliance to Cut Packaging Waste

The purpose of EPR is to encourage greater consideration in packaging design and packaging materials. To achieve this, packaging should be designed to minimise environmental impact and that means planning:

• How it can be minimised
• How it is processed
• Which materials to use
• How production can be circular
• What happens to it at the end of life

Businesses that produce or use over 25 tonnes of packaging each year, with a turnover of £1million+, have a requirement to record data from 1 January 2023. The data includes the weight and composition of the packaging within identified categories.

The Government’s definition of packaging is:

“any material that is used to cover or protect goods that are sold to consumers. 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. Packaging also makes goods look appealing and it may display a company’s logo or brand.”

From this point on, data has to be collected by companies like ours and possibly yours. Unfortunately, it is another major piece of administration to undertake, but it is important to get it right. From 2024, we will be taxed based on the data reported.

You can find further information on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-prepare-for-extended-producer-responsibility

How to Cut Packaging Waste & Simplify EPR

Three steps can help to reduce waste, costs and EPR paperwork.

1. Firstly, Switch to Best-fit Packaging

The first step is to assess what is the minimum amount of packaging required to keep your goods safe during storage, transport and display. Many businesses are using far more than is necessary, are you one of them?

A packaging manufacturer, like us, can advise on best-fit packaging. In addition, we can inform on whether there are ways to reduce or remove layers of primary, secondary or tertiary packaging. Cutting the volume of packaging used will reduce financial and environmental costs, as well as lowering the data and tax associated with EPR.

2.  Secondly, Limit the Range of Packaging Materials Used

The second step is to look at the packaging materials. Where multiple materials are used, the chances of recycling are greatly reduced. It also makes EPR data recording more complex. Could all of your packaging be manufactured from a single material? If not, how can you encourage customers and consumers to separate it before recycling it?

3. Thirdly, Design Packaging to be Widely Reused and Recycled

The use and end of life of your packaging need to be planned at the design stage. EPR requires us to identify if the packaging is likely to end up as household or non-household waste. We need to think circular; packaging that is intuitive and practical to reuse and recycle. Ideally, the focus should be on materials that are recycled in the UK, rather than exported for processing.

These three actions will also benefit your reputation. Consumers are actively seeking out brands that are focused on sustainability. They want manufacturers and retailers to make it easier for them to lower their environmental impact. Evidencing what you are doing to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging could attract more business.

Packaging Advice

For advice on sustainable packaging, along with print and design options, get in touch with our experienced team on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk. We’d be delighted to help you minimise packaging waste.