Are you still unsure about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and its impact on your business? Here, Richard Hunter, sales director at Ribble Packaging, explains the serious financial risks of non-compliance …
The new EPR regulations require immediate action from all businesses that produce, import or sell packaged goods in the UK, or they risk being fined. Large and small producers must report 2024 data by 1st April 2025.
I’ve been highlighting the impact of EPR for some time now, proactively reaching out to my packaging and manufacturing customers who need to be aware of the changes. And, worryingly, 50% had no idea about the looming regulations, which could have serious financial implications for those who fail to comply.
What’s EPR?
EPR is the UK’s effort to improve recycling rates and reduce packaging waste sent to landfill. It places the responsibility for managing packaging waste directly on the producers – that means any business that manufactures, imports or sells goods packaged in materials such as plastic, metal, glass or cardboard is liable.
The primary goal is to ensure that producers take responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging. This will mean paying fees based on the amount of packaging you place on the market. The majority of the tax revenue generated by the EPR system will go directly to funding recycling centres and waste management systems.
This change is a necessary one – however, it has also created a burden on UK businesses.
Will this impact me?
One of the biggest misconceptions I’ve heard is that many companies outside of manufacturing believe EPR doesn’t apply to them. This could not be further from the truth. Under the regulations, if your business is involved in the supply chain of packaging – whether you’re a manufacturer, importer or retailer – you are considered a ‘producer’, and must comply with the requirements.
This includes not only companies involved in the direct manufacture of goods, but also those in the distribution chain who sell packaged goods. Even small businesses that import products from overseas are still subject to the regulations.
Preparing for EPR – what are the rules?
So, what can businesses do to ensure they’re ready for EPR? The first step is registering with the Environment Agency (or equivalent body in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland).
Once registered, companies will need to track the amount of packaging they handle annually, including both the packaging they produce and any packaging associated with the products they sell.
Next, you’ll need to submit data on the packaging you handle to the relevant authorities and pay the fees based on the volume and type of packaging materials. Companies that fail to comply with the regulations could face fines or penalties, and they may also be banned from selling their products until they become compliant. These penalties are calculated based on factors such as the severity of the breach and the size of the organisation.
The regulations are pushing companies to think about how much packaging they use and how they can reduce their environmental impact. Many companies are already making strides towards using more sustainable packaging, and now, the regulations are pushing everyone to act.
At Ribble Packaging, we’re committed to supporting our customers through this transition. If you want to reduce your packaging usage overall, or if you simply need advice on how to approach EPR, we’re here to help.
By working together, we can reduce packaging waste, save on costs and ensure your business stays compliant with these new regulations. The time to act is now – don’t wait until it’s too late.
Photo courtesy Shutterstock/Kyryk Ivan
