EPR; What is it and What Does it Mean for Producers of Plastics?

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) has existed since the early 1990s but was only introduced in the UK in 2023. With new changes being phased in regarding how organisations must carry out their recycling responsibilities, now is the time to ensure that you are managing your recycling correctly and in accordance with EPR regulations.

What is EPR?

EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, is a regulatory tool that requires producers to be responsible for their post-consumer products.

Complying with EPR will mean that product design will become more sustainable and more products will be reused and recycled. EPR framework is set to impact batteries, packaging and WEEE producers in the UK.

Why is EPR important?

According to Gov.UK

• 2,491 tonnes of plastic packaging were disposed of in 2020
• 1,174 tonnes of this total were recovered or recycled which equates to 47.2%
• The remaining 52.8% of UK plastic waste was sent to landfill

By phasing in EPR regulations, the onus moves to producers to think more carefully about the production of their products and packaging as they will be responsible for their disposal.
The proposed goals for plastic waste by 2030 in accordance with EPR regulations are:

• Developed market - 75% of packaging will be recyclable
• Developing market - 50% of packaging will be recyclable

It is important to mention that plastic packaging is reusable and recyclable and whilst many organisations may search for more sustainable alternatives, plastic does play an important role in creating a circular economy. Polythene is commonly used in packaging and is a durable and weather-resistant material. It is also completely recyclable which people are not always aware of.

When is the Extended Producer Responsibility being introduced in the UK?

EPR is being phased in as of January 2023 and is expected to be fully implemented by 2030.

How do packaging manufacturers comply with the new EPR legislation?

UK organisations must now prepare for Extended Producer Responsibilities as the regulations will apply to all who handle and supply packaging to consumers and businesses.
If any of the following apply, you will need to report your packaging data:

• You are an individual business, subsidiary, or group (charities do not reply)
• Your annual turnover is £1 million or more (based on more recent accounts)
• You are responsible for over 25 tonnes of packaging in a calendar year
• You carry out any packaging activities

You can check here if you need to report packaging data under extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging.

If you do carry out packaging activities and they include any of the following, you may need to take action:

• Supply packaged goods to the UK market under your own brand
• Place goods into packaging that are unbranded when supplied
• Use ‘transit packaging’ to protect goods during transport so they can be sold to UK consumers
• Import products in packaging
• Own an online marketplace
• Hire or loan out reusable packaging
• Supply empty packaging

You can find additional information at Gov.UK

How does Extended Producer Responsibility work?

EPR programs are enacted by governments. They involve a legal obligation on producers to adhere to laws concerning the lifecycle management of their packaging and products. Organisations can fulfil their responsibilities in one of two ways, either by undertaking physical collections or through financial payments.

Which countries have introduced EPR compliant legislation?

EPR is currently being used in the following countries:

• Germany
• France
• Poland
• UK
• Greece
• Lithuania
• Slovakia

What will the impact be on producers of plastic-related products?

The biggest issues will be cost and extra admission. Originally the estimated cost to producers was £2.7bn but in a revised consultation, the UK Government dropped the need to include business waste. As a result, £1bn was knocked off, bringing the estimated cost to the industry to £1.7bn.

What is a PRN or PERN and where can you buy them from?

A Packaging Recovery Note is the evidence required by an obligated company that a calculated number of tonnes of a material-specific product has been recycled. It is an essential part of complying with the Packaging Waste Regulations. A PERN is a certificate proving that packaging waste has been recycled properly.

You can purchase PRNs and PERNs from accredited reprocessors. They are also available on the open market but are mostly distributed to relevant companies through Packaging Waste Regulations Compliance Schemes.

How to apply for an EPR certification online

In order to apply for an EPR certification, you must first get an EPR number. This can be acquired by contacting the respective Producer Responsibility Organisation for each EPR product category to obtain the EPR registration number.

Discover how we can help you reduce your EPR costs

We provide a range of products that can be reused, (such as our reusable pallet covers) or that consume fewer resources and are stronger. Therefore they help reduce overall tonnage.
For more information on the products we have on offer, please get in touch.