The UK government has set out planned changes to packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues, a package that industry body British Glass has welcomed.
According to British Glass, the measures include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. The government will also issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
What is being proposed
- An updated material value assigned to glass packaging;
- Higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials, planned from the scheme's third year;
- An exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues;
- Calls for evidence on fee modulation and on reuse.
Weight-based fees under scrutiny
British Glass said glass had faced a disproportionate share of pEPR costs because fees are calculated by weight rather than by the number of packaging units placed on the market. The organisation said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by units, not weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognises the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said the proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass, adding that the planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures all move the system in a fairer direction.
Kirk said that while it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, it was encouraging to see the government recognising the challenges facing hospitality businesses and taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timing and industry pressures
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said: "This must be the start rather than the end of the process. Glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now."
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown that it means business when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.