New UK EPR packaging regulation drives sustainability and eco-friendly practices

The UK Government is changing the packaging compliance system with new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations – a policy that employs data intelligence and financial incentives for packaging to aid the transition to a circular economy.

The amount producers pay in compliance costs will vary, with harder to recycle packaging components being subject to a higher price from 2026.  Ultimately, EPR will require producers to pay the full net costs of the collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal of household packaging. The policy employs data intelligence and financial incentives for packaging to aid the transition to a circular economy

For businesses, this shift marks a substantial change in operational and financial responsibility. The most immediate impact will be on companies that generate significant amounts of packaging, such as retailers, manufacturers, and importers. These businesses will now need to report on the type, weight, and material composition of their packaging, ensuring it is recyclable or, in some cases, reusable. This will likely drive innovation in packaging design and materials, encouraging the use of more sustainable alternatives to reduce costs associated with disposal.

The financial burden of covering recycling and waste management costs will also increase. Under previous regulations, producers only paid for part of the waste management process, but the new EPR rules will require them to cover 100% of the associated costs. 

In the long term, the EPR regulations are expected to boost recycling rates, reduce waste, and encourage the development of a circular economy, and companies that proactively adapt to the regulations could gain a competitive advantage by showcasing their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

Learn more about Intertek’s Zero Waste to Landfill initiatives: https://www.intertek.com/assurance/zero-waste-to-landfill/