The UK Government has confirmed the appointment of a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) as a critical part of its upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging.

This announcement follows an open letter from ministers representing the four UK nations, which emphasised the importance of industry leadership in the development and operation of the EPR scheme.

EPR to cost £1.7bn in 2025, says industry leader

Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), welcomed the government’s decision to adopt a producer-led approach.

"With EPR expected to cost at least £1.7bn in 2025 alone, it is essential that it delivers value for money and boosts Britain’s recycling rates," Bligh said.

Bligh also highlighted that successful EPR schemes around the world are driven by producers, and the UK’s choice to follow international best practice is crucial.

"A producer-led organisation can harness the expertise of manufacturers and the waste value chain to create a true circular economy for packaging recycling," he added.

This would involve boosting investment in recycling infrastructure, supporting local councils in managing effective waste services, and encouraging producers to use more recycled content and reduce packaging usage.

Industry and government collaboration

The UK Government’s approach to the EPR scheme is built on a collaborative co-design process. The scheme's codesign involves stakeholders from across the value chain, including members of the FDF-led PRO Steering Group, local authorities, and other industry representatives.

The government’s goal is to ensure that the scheme maximises value chain involvement while maintaining robust governance.

The involvement of these key players is expected to drive significant progress towards achieving the UK's broader environmental goals, including eliminating avoidable waste by 2050 and recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.

A step towards circular economy

The appointment of the PRO represents a pivotal step in the UK’s journey towards a circular economy for packaging.

With producers now taking greater responsibility for the full lifecycle of their packaging, the EPR scheme is set to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste while promoting sustainable practices across the industry.

As the 2025 implementation date approaches, the government continues to refine the scheme, working closely with industry to ensure it delivers on its promise of creating a more sustainable and efficient recycling system for the UK.