Posted: 06/11/2025
UK Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) – Amending Regulations Update
Draft amending regulations for the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) have now been laid before the UK Parliament by the UK Government on behalf of the four nations. Subject to parliamentary approval, these changes are expected to take effect from January 2026. The latest version of the Packaging EPR Regs can be found here: The Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
Earlier this week Emma Bourne OBE, sent a letter on behalf of all four governments with the following key updates:
- Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)
- An independent, not-for-profit, producer-led PRO will work alongside PackUK to deliver the pEPR scheme.
- Application opened 3 November and closes 12 December 2025; appointment expected March 2026.
- This gives industry a greater role in scheme delivery while maintaining government oversight.
- Closed Loop Recycling Offsets
- Producers using closed loop systems for food-grade plastics can offset the waste they collect against household disposal fees.
- Supports a circular economy and reduces reliance on virgin plastics.
- Operability changes
- Clarifies producer obligations, including for mergers/acquisitions.
- Updates definitions (e.g., fibre-based composite materials) and removes barriers to compliance/enforcement.
- Regulators can now collect historic data from connected organisations to address ‘freeriders’.
- Dual-Use Packaging
- Work continues to define treatment for packaging used by both households and businesses.
- Any exemptions may increase fees for remaining obligated packaging.
- Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) Reform
- New registration, accreditation, and reporting requirements for reprocessors and exporters come into effect 1 January 2026.
- Further consultation on PRN reform planned for early 2026.
- Local Authority Packaging Services
- pEPR funds aim to improve local authority waste management efficiency.
- PackUK will ensure funds in England are spent exclusively on household packaging management.