British Glass has welcomed planned changes to the UK’s packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) fee system, 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 for higher modulation factors for packaging materials that are less recyclable, to apply from the third year of pEPR. The government additionally intends to issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse, according to the industry body.
Weight-based fees and material switching
British Glass said 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. It argued that this has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by unit count, not weight, and has encouraged a shift from glass to lighter materials.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognized the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said the proposed changes begin to address unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognize glass’s environmental benefits. Kirk pointed to the planned update to glass’s material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and a commitment to review future fee structures as steps toward a fairer system.
He also said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption, while welcoming the government’s recognition of challenges facing hospitality businesses and its move to avoid unnecessary costs. British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Implementation timing and industry pressures
The reforms are not expected to take effect until the scheme’s third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. British Glass said glass manufacturers continue to face high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty over future packaging policy.
Kirk said the process must be a start rather than an end, noting that glass manufacturers are making decisions now on investment, production and jobs. Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown it intended to tackle harmful packaging materials and protect UK glass manufacturing.