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 measures 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 additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees in the spotlight
British Glass said glass has shouldered 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, the organisation argued, has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by unit rather than by weight, prompting a shift 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.
“The proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass,” he said. The planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures together “move the system in a fairer direction”.
Kirk said that while the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption still needed to be understood, it was encouraging that the government had recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. “We particularly welcome the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse,” he added.
What is proposed, and when
- An exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
- An updated material value assigned to glass packaging.
- Higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials, planned from the third year of pEPR.
- Calls for evidence on fee modulation and on reuse.
The calls for evidence indicate that the detailed design of modulation and reuse policy is still to be settled, so the proposals set a direction rather than a final fee schedule. 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.
“This must be the start rather than the end of the process. Glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now,” Kirk said.
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”.