PackUK has officially launched

The launch of the scheme administrator was announced last week by Defra and will be responsible for managing pEPR across the UK.  

Dr Margaret Bates, head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator said: “The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical.   

“The launch of PackUK marks an exciting leap forward in delivering this. We remain committed to working closely across the four nations, producers, and stakeholders across the collection and packaging value chain.   

“Together, we aim to deliver a fair and collaborative pEPR scheme that addresses the challenges of packaging waste and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging.”   

Bates was made the head of the scheme administrator in January 2024.  

As of today, PackUK will be responsible for setting pEPR’s fees, raising them from obligated producers and making payments to local authorities.  

Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), commented: “The new pEPR regulations offer a once in a generation opportunity for the UK to develop a world-class recycling system and create a truly circular economy.  

“This will mean that shoppers can be confident that when they dispose of their crisp packets, yoghurt pots and bread bags, they will be responsibly recycled and turned back into food grade packaging. We’re pleased to be working closely with PackUK to ensure that this multi-billion-pound investment produces real results for the nation.” 

Defra said that it believed the pEPR fees will raise more than £1 billion annually to support household collection and disposal services. 

PackUK’s design and set up has been supported by an industry-led advisory steering group, chaired by Sebastian Munden – former chief executive of Unilever UK and Ireland. 

Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) 

In October 2024, the government wrote to the steering group to confirm its support for an industry-led Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to be created. The PRO is likely to manage the practical aspects of pEPR. PackUK will now be responsible for the appointment of the PRO.   

In a statement made last week (16 January 2025), Defra said: “We have established a codesign process to take this PRO forward, involving members of the FDF convened PRO Steering Group as well as local authorities and other representatives from across the value chain. We will act on the recommendations of this group, to maximise value chain involvement whilst providing robust governance for PackUK.” 

First public event to be held in Birmingham  

To mark its launch, PackUK will host the Packaging Innovations Birmingham conference from 12 to 13 February 2025.  

This event will feature speakers and industry figures sharing key knowledge, breakout sessions and opportunities to engage directly with the PackUK team.  

Sebastian Munden will host the initial launch session with guest speakers Emma Bourne, David McPhee, Rhodri Asby and Shane Doris representing their respective nations. 

This will be followed by a session chaired by Mary Creagh from Defra which will discuss aspirations for pEPR.