PackUK - the scheme administrator for Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility - will formally launch on 21 January 2025. PackUK will implement the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) programme. The EPR Statutory Instrument came into force on 1 January and the establishment of PackUK as the scheme administrator is a key part.
Investing in efficient and effective local recycling services
PackUK will shift the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers and local authorities to those businesses who use and supply the packaging, applying the ‘polluter pays’ principle. In turn, it will boost investment into local recycling services: alongside Simpler Recycling in England and the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, the packaging reforms will stimulate an estimated £10 billion investment in recycling services across the UK over the next 10 years, and in England alone, support up to 21,000 new jobs.
PackUK will set pEPR’s fees, raise these fees from obligated producers and make packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities in return for the delivery of efficient and effective collection and recycling services. In doing so, it will deliver a scheme which demonstrates value for money for both producers and citizens. PackUK will also be responsible for public communications and information campaigns to encourage citizens to dispose of packaging waste correctly and not litter their packaging.
Delivering with business
PackUK is a Defra hosted function, delivering on behalf of the four UK nations. It will be referred to as PecynUK in Wales. Its design and set up has been overseen by an industry-led steering group, chaired by Sebastian Munden (former chief executive of Unilever UK and Ireland).
PackUK will continue work with packaging producers to explore ways to enhance the role of businesses across pEPR’s delivery, including the appointment of a new Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
We have established a codesign process to take this PRO forward, involving members of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) convened PRO Steering Group as well as local authorities and other representatives from across the value chain. We will act on the recommendations of this group, to maximise value chain involvement whilst providing robust governance for PackUK.
Transitioning to a circular economy
The implementation of the pEPR scheme is a critical step towards the creation of a circular economy. It will modernise the UK’s approach to packaging and packaging waste and implement tried and tested international best practice. Together the packaging reforms will stimulate investment in recycling infrastructure and create green jobs, alongside being key to delivering Net Zero, reducing the UK’s emissions from landfill by an estimated 32 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2037.
