After it was announced last week, the scheme administrator for the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) PackUK has officially launched.
PackUK, to be known as PecynUK in Wales, will set and raise pEPR fees paid by obligated producers, and make packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities in return for the delivery of collection and recycling services.
PackUK will also be responsible for public communications and information campaigns that encourage the public to dispose of packaging waste correctly and not litter.
Head of the UK pEPR Scheme Administrator Dr Margaret Bates said the need for a scheme that shifts the cost of managing household packaging waste to producers has “never been more critical”.
The new EPR regulations offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK to develop a world-class recycling system and create a truly circular economy.
“We remain committed to working closely across the four nations, producers, and stakeholders across the collection and packaging value chain,” Dr Bates, the former President of The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), said.
“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.”
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said pEPR will incentivise businesses to reduce unnecessary packaging and use more recycled and recyclable packaging.
Alongside the Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, Defra estimates the pEPR scheme will stimulate £10 billion of investment in recycling services and infrastructure across the UK over the next 10 years.
Reacting to PackUK’s launch, Jim Bligh, Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at The Food and Drink Federation, said: “The new EPR regulations offer a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK to develop a world-class recycling system and create a truly circular economy.
“This will mean that shoppers can be confident that when they dispose of their crisp packets, yoghurt pots and bread bags, they will be responsibly recycled and turned back into food grade packaging.”