Defra to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will unveil PackUK, a key initiative for the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025.

Easyfairs UK is delighted to announce that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has chosen Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 as the platform for the official launch of PackUK, a landmark initiative designed to transform the UK packaging sector and lead the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR).

This two-day annual gathering of over 450 exhibitors, 70+ expert speakers, and thousands of packaging professionals is set to provide the perfect forum to introduce PackUK and facilitate meaningful discussions about the future of sustainable packaging.

The launch of PackUK will feature two key panel sessions, addressing the strategic and practical dimensions of pEPR implementation. The first session, taking place on Wednesday, 12 February, from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM, will be hosted by Sebastian Munden, Chair of PackUK and WRAP. This high-level discussion will examine how a unified UK approach can foster a fairer and more sustainable packaging system. Panellists include David McPhee, Deputy Director of the Circular Economy Division for the Scottish Government; Emma Bourne, Director of Resources and Waste at Defra; Rhodri Asby, Deputy Director for Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy for the Welsh Government; and Shane Doris, Director of the Environmental Resources Policy Division for Northern Ireland. Together, they will offer valuable insights into the collaborative efforts required to implement pEPR effectively across all four UK nations.

The second panel, scheduled for Thursday, 13 February, from 11:15 AM to 12:00 PM, will be chaired by Mary Creagh, Minister for Nature. This session will continue the conversation by exploring stakeholder aspirations for pEPR and the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in its success. Contributors include Paul Vanston, CEO of INCPEN; Talia Goldman, ESG Director at Colpac Ltd; and Andrew Cassells, Waste Specialist at the Strategic Investment Board in Northern Ireland. This discussion will provide businesses with practical guidance on balancing commercial and environmental priorities while leveraging pEPR to drive innovation.

Dr Margaret Bates, Head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator, said: The need for an effective pEPR scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has never been more critical.

The launch of PackUK marks an exciting leap forward in delivering this. We remain committed to working closely across the four nations, producers, and stakeholders across the collection and packaging value chain.

Together, we aim to deliver a fair and collaborative pEPR scheme that addresses the challenges of packaging waste and lays the foundation for a more sustainable and responsible approach to packaging.

PackUK's introduction represents a transformative moment for the industry, acting as the scheme administrator to shift financial responsibility for household packaging waste from taxpayers to producers. This approach is expected to drive accountability and stimulate innovation in sustainable packaging design. The planned introduction of modulated fees in 2026/27 will incentivise producers to create more recyclable packaging, supporting the transition to a circular economy. Alongside complementary initiatives such as Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme, these reforms are projected to generate £1 billion in investment in UK recycling services over the next decade, potentially creating 21,000 new jobs in England alone.

James Montero-MacColl, Senior Marketing Manager at Easyfairs UK, said: Defra's decision to launch PackUK at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025 underlines the importance of this event as the key gathering for the UK packaging industry. With such high-calibre speakers and comprehensive discussions on the agenda, this is a unique opportunity for attendees to gain actionable insights and a clear understanding of how to adapt to these landmark regulatory changes.

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2025, hosted at the NEC Birmingham on 12 & 13 February, will feature over 450 exhibitors showcasing the latest packaging solutions and more than 70+ expert speakers across three dedicated stages. In addition to the panel sessions, attendees will have access to dedicated clinic sessions where they can engage directly with representatives from PackUK to address specific challenges and opportunities related to pEPR compliance.

The event represents a pivotal moment for the UK packaging community to come together, gain clarity on the implications of pEPR, and explore the innovations driving the future of sustainable packaging. With the launch of PackUK, the packaging industry stands on the brink of meaningful progress, supported by robust infrastructure and industry-wide collaboration.

Register now to secure your place at the forefront of packaging innovation!