Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

We know that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will change the landscape of packaging and drastically impact costs for UK businesses. Macfarlane Packaging can help you understand EPR and show you how sustainable packaging and cost reduction go hand in hand. 

Enquire about EPR support
A truck driving down a motorway through trees A truck driving down a motorway through trees

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation requires UK businesses to pay for the total waste management costs of their packaging

EPR affects companies that are producing packaging which ends up in UK household waste. This can include, manufacturers, importers, retailers and sellers of packaged goods, as well as packaging companies. Does this sound like your business?

Macfarlane Packaging can help you understand EPR regulations and how they will impact your business. We can also help you prepare your packaging to manage costs and enhance sustainability. 

The expected impact of EPR

£2bn

the expected new cost of EPR to responsible UK businesses

7,000

the number of businesses already registered for EPR reporting 

2025

when EPR fees are set to be introduced for responsible businesses

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a new signature piece of legislation that will see the full cost of managing household packaging waste shift from taxpayers to businesses who put it on to the UK market.

It is a reform of the existing UK Packaging Waste Regulations that were established in 1997 and, whilst fees do not commence until 2025, businesses are now legally obliged to be collecting new, relevant data and reporting on the data to the appointed EPR scheme administrator.

Download our FREE Extended Producer Responsibility Guide

Our FREE guide to Extended Producer Responsibility will:

  • Explore what Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is  

 

  • Present essential information to help understand the details of EPR

 

  • Investigate the reasons behind the introduction of EPR

 

  • Determine EPR's relevance to your business

 

  • Outline the actions your business must take to ensure compliance with the new regulations

 

  • Discuss how you can prepare and share strategies to optimise your packaging to minimise EPR fees

Does EPR apply to your business?

Your business has an annual turnover of £1m or more (based on your most recent annual accounts)

Your business was responsible for more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the previous calendar year

Your company carries out any of the packaging activities defined by the UK Government 

If your company is an individual business, subsidiary or group (but not a charity) and meets the above criteria, Extended Producer Responsibility could apply to you. Make sure you're taking action! 

Download our FREE guide to Recycling Assessment Methodology

Our FREE guide to Recycling Assessment Methodology will:

  • Offer a clear and accessible explanation of the RAM and how it applies in real-world scenarios.

  • Summarise the key elements of the methodology and explain how it affects different types of packaging.
     
  • Help businesses navigate the complexities of packaging recyclability under UK Extended Producer Responsibility regulations.

  • Help you make informed decisions that align with both your sustainability goals and legal obligations.

  • Outline how vital the RAM tool is in assessing the recyclability of packaging components, as well as playing a key role in determining the fees under the UK's EPR regulations.  

  • Provide an understanding of the technical details behind the Recycling Assessment Methodology.

A bitesize video guide to the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme

Frequently Asked Questions about EPR  

Here, we’ve answered the top three questions we get asked about EPR. 

 

You can also download our FREE detailed Extended Producer Responsibility FAQ fact sheet.  

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a new signature piece of legislation that will see the full cost of managing household packaging waste shift from taxpayers to producers. It is a reform of the existing UK Packaging Waste Regulations that were established in 1997 and, whilst fees do not commence until 2025, businesses are now legally obliged to be collecting new, relevant data and reporting on the data to the appointed EPR scheme administrator.

Producers will be taxed to pay the full costs of managing household packaging waste. Fees will be modulated over time. This is to further incentivise the use of recycled packaging. EPR levies will be collected in addition to Packaging Waste Recycling Note (PRN or PERN) fees.

On 30th June 2025 the UK Government published base fees, plastic will be £423 per tonne and paper will be taxed at £196 per tonne.
There are some key differences between EPR and historic Packaging Waste Regulations. At the moment, responsibility for packaging waste is spread across multiple points in the supply chain. However, under new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, the responsibility is placed on one producer. In addition, the financial burden of processing packaging waste will move from council tax waste systems to the responsible producers. Funds raised by the EPR scheme will be redistributed to local authorities by the scheme’s appointed administrator.

Funds raised by the current Packaging Waste Regulations are only used to partially subsidise UK recycling. Under the new EPR scheme, the full net cost of all elements of packaging processing will be covered. This will include everything from collection, sorting and treatment of packaging waste. The new scheme will also introduce lower compliance thresholds, meaning more businesses will have responsibilities under the scheme.

Download our free detailed EPR FAQs 

See more in-depth frequently asked questions about the incoming Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. 

  • What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
  • Who is the EPR scheme administrator?
  • Who will the EPR scheme apply do?
  • Which types of packaging will the scheme apply to?
  • Plus more!

How can you prepare for Extended Producer Responsibility?

If your business handles 50 tonnes of paper-based packaging it could be liable for up to £10,000 based on current illustrative EPR fees. For companies handling more, the costs could be in the millions. 

Make your packaging lighter

EPR fees will be applied based on tonnage, therefore using packaging that weighs less can help you minimise the cost impact of fees. Lighter packaging can also cut carbon emissions, another environmental win! 

Optimise your packaging to use less 

Ultimately, using less packaging will reduce the tonnage you're putting on to the UK market. Making use of intelligent, optimised packaging design can help you achieve this while protecting your products. 

Switch to easier to recycle packaging

EPR fees will be modulated based on the material the packaging is made from. Harder to recycle materials will attract higher fees, so making prudent packaging switches now can help mitigate EPR's impact. 

Support preparing for Extended Producer Responsibity

At Macfarlane Packaging, we can help you optimise your packaging so you can make it lighter, use less and swap to more sustainable materials. We've also got tools that can illustrate EPR fees and an e-trading platform for easy waste reporting. 

We have an extensive range of eco-friendly packaging products and a methodical approach that helps you make informed decisions about your packaging materials.

Our unique tool, the Packaging Optimimiser can show you exactly what your packaging is costing you and the environment. And then show you how new solutions can help…

If you want to know your packaging weights in a snap for packaging waste reporting our easy e-trading system can make life a breeze and cut your packaging admin.