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. British Glass, the trade body for the UK glass sector, has welcomed the proposals, which also cover the material value assigned to glass and the modulation factors applied to packaging that is less recyclable.
Under the plans, the material value attributed to glass packaging would be updated. The government also intends to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. In addition, it will issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse. These are proposed measures; the reforms are not due to take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028.
Why glass producers sought change
British Glass said glass had carried a disproportionate share of pEPR costs because fees are calculated by weight rather than by the number of packaging units placed on the market. That structure, according to the organisation, has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by unit, not by weight. Those buyers have been prompted to switch from glass to lighter packaging materials, British Glass said.
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 the proposed changes begin to address some unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise glass's environmental benefits. According to Kirk, the planned update to glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures all move the system in a fairer direction.
Kirk also said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption. He described it as 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, he added.
Pressures remain for UK glassmakers
British Glass noted that glass manufacturers continue to face high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty over future packaging policy. Kirk said the proposed 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 it means business on tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing. The proposals therefore set a direction for pEPR fee design, while leaving detail on fee levels and the operation of the hospitality exemption to be developed through the announced evidence-gathering and review processes.