PackUK Launches, the New Scheme Administrator for Packaging EPR

PackUK – the scheme administrator for Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility – formally launched on 21st January 2025. PackUK will implement the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) programme. The EPR Statutory Instrument came into force on 1st January and the establishment of PackUK as the scheme administrator is a key part.

Investing in efficient and effective local recycling services

PackUK aims to 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 Government reports that 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 Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) 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 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) hosted function, operating on behalf of the four UK nations. It will be referred to as PecynUK in Wales. Its design and set up has been supported 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).

A codesign process has been established 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. Recommendations of this group will be acted on 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 sets out to modernise the UK’s approach to packaging and packaging waste and implement tried and tested international best practice. Together the packaging reforms aim to 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.

PackUK will be at its first public event

To mark its launch, PackUK will be at Packaging Innovations Birmingham from 12th to 13th February 2025. This event will feature expert speakers and industry figures sharing key knowledge, breakout sessions, and opportunities to engage directly with the PackUK team.

Seb Munden (former CEO of Unilever) will be hosting the initial launch session on the central circular economy stage with guest speakers Emma Bourne, David McPhee, Rhodri Asby and Shane Doris representing their respective nations.

Minister for Nature Mary Creagh will then chair a panel, again on the central circular economy stage, hosting key value chain voices as they discuss common aspirations for pEPR and how collaboration between PackUK and its stakeholders is key to delivering a fair and efficient scheme.

pEPR sumbission deadlines

All businesses obligated to report data under the packaging EPR data reporting regulations should have submitted their January to June 2024 data by Tuesday 1st October 2024. If obligated packaging producers have not reported their data, they may face enforcement action.

If you are a large producer obligated to report data under packaging EPR data reporting regulations, and have all the data under the new rules, you should report it in two batches:

• report your January to June data by 1st October 2024
• report your July to December data by 1st April 2025

If you are obligated as a small producer, you will be required to report your data under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, you should report it in one annual submission:

• January to December data by 1st April 2025

Read the guidance for help and support on how to submit your data.

If you have any questions or require additional guidance, please contact packuk.support@defra.gov.uk.