PackUK Officially Launches as pEPR Administrator
On 21 January 2025, PackUK was officially launched as the scheme administrator for the UK’s extended producer responsibility (pEPR) for packaging. Defra confirmed this significant milestone, marking a pivotal moment for waste management and sustainability efforts in the UK.
Shifting Responsibility to Producers
Dr. Margaret Bates, appointed as the head of PackUK in January 2024, emphasised the scheme’s importance:
“The launch of PackUK signifies a crucial step in ensuring producers bear the cost of managing packaging waste. This collaborative approach across the four nations aims to tackle packaging waste effectively and promote a sustainable future.”
PackUK will be responsible for setting and collecting pEPR fees from producers, estimated to generate over £1 billion annually. These funds will directly support household waste collection and disposal services.
Advisory Steering Group and PRO Development
PackUK’s framework and operational design were developed with guidance from an industry-led advisory steering group chaired by Sebastian Munden, former Unilever UK & Ireland CEO.
The government confirmed in October 2024 its support for establishing an industry-led Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to manage the operational aspects of pEPR. PackUK will oversee the appointment of the PRO, ensuring collaboration between producers, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Packaging
Defra highlighted a codesign process for the PRO, incorporating feedback from the Food and Drink Federation’s PRO Steering Group, local authorities, and other value chain representatives. This structure aims to foster robust governance and maximise stakeholder involvement.
PackUK’s launch represents a key milestone in addressing packaging waste with a focus on sustainability and accountability. Defra estimates that the pEPR scheme could raise over £1 billion annually, which will be directed towards supporting local authorities in managing household packaging waste collection and recycling services. This projection underscores the scheme’s potential to enhance waste management infrastructure and advance the transition towards a circular economy.