British Glass has welcomed government plans to change packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues. The trade body said the proposals begin to correct cost pressures that, in its view, have pushed buyers away from glass.
What the government intends to change
- An update to the material value assigned to glass packaging under pEPR.
- Plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of the scheme.
- Calls for evidence on fee modulation and on reuse.
- An exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
According to British Glass, glass has 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. The organisation said that mismatch has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by unit rather than by weight, prompting a switch from glass to lighter materials.
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 proposals begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass, adding that the planned update to the 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.
Hospitality exemption and timing
Kirk said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, but that it was encouraging to see the government recognise the challenges facing hospitality businesses and take steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He also particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said the announcement must be the start rather than the end of the process, noting 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.