The UK government has set out planned changes to packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues. The proposals also include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. The government will issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse, according to British Glass.
British Glass says weight-based fees put glass at a disadvantage
British Glass said glass had faced a disproportionate share of pEPR costs because fees are calculated by weight rather than by the number of packaging units placed on the market. The organisation said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by units rather than weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
The group said the proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass. It highlighted the planned update to glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures as steps toward a fairer system.
The proposed exemption is limited to certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues; it is not a blanket exemption for all glass packaging. The other measures concern how glass is valued in the fee system and how modulation factors may be used for materials that are less recyclable.
Hospitality exemption and implementation timetable
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognised the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption for glass supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues, but encouraging that the government recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
The reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. British Glass said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said the changes must be the start rather than the end of the process, adding that glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now. Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown that it means business when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.