Key updates announced for UK's pEPR scheme

PackUK has published several key documents to support the delivery of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme, including the confirmed 2025 base fees, a new Fee Modulation Policy Statement, a Regulatory Position Statement, and an interim strategy.

2025 Base Fees Confirmed

The confirmed 2025 base fees provide producers with clarity ahead of the first invoices due in October. Compared to previous estimates, most fees have decreased—glass, for example, is down by 20%. These adjustments reflect improved data reporting from producers and extensive validation by PackUK and regulators. The fees are calculated based on 2024 packaging data and local authority waste management costs.

Fee Modulation Policy Introduced

A new fee modulation policy has also been announced, which will come into effect from 2026. It will adjust producer fees based on the recyclability of their packaging, using the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Over a three-year period, fees will be progressively lowered for highly recyclable (RAM Green) packaging and increased for poorly recyclable (RAM Red) materials. Medical packaging will be subject to special provisions. The approach is designed to incentivise sustainable packaging choices without increasing overall scheme revenue.

Regulatory Flexibility for Recyclability Reporting

In response to industry concerns, environmental regulators across the four nations have issued a Regulatory Position Statement (Regulatory Decision in Wales) offering flexibility on 2025 recyclability reporting obligations. While producers must report total packaging tonnage for the first half of 2025, recyclability data can be extrapolated from the second half of the year.

PackUK Interim Strategy

As Scheme Administrator, PackUK has also released an interim strategy approved by all four UK nations. This outlines current priorities while a longer-term strategy is developed for release later in 2025. The future plan will cover key appointments, evolving policy areas such as reuse, and the appointment of a Producer Responsibility Organisation by March 2026.

The pEPR scheme is a central element of the UK’s packaging reforms, expected to support up to 25,000 jobs and unlock over £10 billion in recycling infrastructure investment over the next decade.

A Base Fees webinar will be hosted by PackUK on 10 July 2025. Registration is now open.

Producers can access further guidance on the gov.uk website to understand how these fees will affect their businesses.