PackUK begins its first full operational year in 2025, tasked with overseeing an important aspect of packaging waste management in the UK.
As part of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024, it must publish an operational plan to manage packaging waste.
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This is a key part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, which aims to hold producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products, from manufacturing to disposal.
This article explains PackUK’s role and the expected developments in the upcoming year.
Key responsibilities and areas of focus for PackUK
PackUK’s responsibilities include managing financial services, ensuring packaging waste is properly recycled, and overseeing public information campaigns.
It also plays a significant role in ensuring that local authorities receive the necessary payments to support waste collection and recycling efforts.
However, some areas remain out of scope for the first operational year, such as the exact costs of public information campaigns and the final fees for obligated producers. These will become clearer after key deadlines in April and October 2025.
Another key responsibility is the development of the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), which will help administer the scheme. PackUK will be focusing on establishing this body and creating a transparent application process for producers.
By 2026, the fees for packaging materials will be modulated based on recyclability, with less environmentally friendly materials facing higher fees.
The importance of public information campaigns and local authority support
One of PackUK’s statutory obligations is to ensure the public and businesses understand how to manage packaging waste. This will be done through public information campaigns, which aim to increase awareness about reusing and recycling packaging, as well as preventing litter.
The success of these campaigns is crucial to achieving the environmental goals set by the scheme, such as reducing the amount of packaging waste produced and encouraging more sustainable packaging practices.
For local authorities, PackUK will be providing guidance and support throughout the year. This includes assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of waste collection and recycling services.
By November 2025, local authorities will start receiving payments, and PackUK will provide detailed guidance on fee calculations and the payment process.
The ongoing support and engagement with local authorities are essential for the success of the scheme, as they will be at the forefront of implementing its policies.
Financial implications and future outlook
Financially, PackUK will begin issuing invoices to obligated producers in October 2025. These will cover disposal fees, administration costs, and expenses related to public information campaigns.
Producers will have the option to pay in full or set up quarterly instalments. As the operational year progresses, more information about the final fees and financial forecasts will become available, allowing PackUK to adjust the scheme accordingly.
The first year of PackUK’s operation will also involve preparing for the modulation of fees in 2026. This will ensure that materials with lower recyclability are penalised, pushing producers to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions.
As the scheme continues to evolve, PackUK will maintain a focus on increasing efficiency and ensuring that all parties involved meet their obligations under the scheme.
Ultimately, PackUK’s role in managing packaging waste and promoting recycling is a vital part of the UK’s efforts to tackle waste and sustainability issues.
Through its focus on public campaigns, local authority support, and financial transparency, PackUK will help shape the future of packaging waste management in the UK.
