British Glass urges government to pause pEPR fees amid industry concerns

Industry body British Glass has submitted an evidence report to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), PackUK, HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) raising concerns about the potential impacts of the current packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) framework on the UK glass sector.

The submission compiles information from across the glass supply chain and outlines issues the organisation says could arise from the current structure of pEPR fees. According to British Glass, the report examines how the existing policy design could influence material choices and affect the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing.

Developed in consultation with its members, the report brings together operational and commercial data intended to highlight the effects businesses are beginning to see as the policy is implemented. The organisation says the evidence points to outcomes that may differ from the scheme’s intended environmental objectives.

One of the main areas highlighted in the report is the potential financial pressure created by the current pEPR fee model. British Glass states that the structure of the charges may encourage some producers to move away from glass packaging towards alternative materials, including plastic, which the organisation says could alter material demand within the market.

The report also notes that the policy could influence supply chains by increasing the attractiveness of importing packaged goods rather than producing them domestically. British Glass suggests that, without adjustments, the combined impact of fee levels, modulation mechanisms and implementation timelines could place additional pressure on UK-based manufacturers.

By submitting this report, British Glass is demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting both the environmental role of glass packaging and the future of UK manufacturing. The organisation will continue to engage constructively with DEFRA and other stakeholders to ensure the policy framework supports sustainable materials, a competitive domestic industry, and the long-term goals of the circular economy.

British Glass remains committed to working collaboratively with Government to ensure that EPR delivers meaningful environmental outcomes while maintaining a level playing field for all packaging materials.

Dr Nick Kirk, Federation Director.

In the submission, the organisation identifies several aspects of the policy framework that it believes could be reviewed to better reflect the practical and commercial implications for industry. The evidence provided is intended to help policymakers understand how the current arrangements may influence investment decisions, packaging material selection and overall market dynamics.

Among the recommendations included in the report is a proposal to pause the introduction of pEPR fees while the potential impacts are further assessed. British Glass says this would allow government and industry to work together to refine the policy approach while maintaining its environmental objectives.

The organisation added that companies within the glass sector are already reporting concerns related to anticipated costs and uncertainty surrounding the future structure of pEPR fees.