EPR for the UK Market

Big changes are coming to packaging regulations in the UK - and your business needs to be ready. From January 2025, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will fully replace the Packaging Waste Regulation (PWR). This means producers will be responsible for covering the full cost of managing their packaging waste. Let us break down what that actually means - and how you can prepare.

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Who Needs to Comply?

If your business has a turnover above £1 million or you supply more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year, EPR applies to you.

This includes:

  • Manufacturers
  • Importers
  • Sellers of packaged goods
  • Online marketplaces that enable foreign sellers to trade in the UK

In short, if you place packaging into the UK market, this regulation applies to you.

EPR for the UK Market - Overview
New Reporting Requirements

Under EPR, detailed reporting is essential. Businesses must now track and report where their packaging is supplied and discarded to help UK authorities monitor waste streams and enforce recycling targets.

 
You must report if your business:
  • Supplies filled or empty packaging to UK end users
  • Provides empty packaging to small or non-obligated organisations
  • Hires or loans out reusable packaging
  • Runs an online marketplace selling packaged goods in the UK
  • Imports packaged goods for internal use or disposal

 
Key Reporting Deadlines:
  • Large producers: Report every six months (October 1st and April 1st)
  • Small producers: Report annually (April 1st)

Financial and Operational Impact

This is where it impacts the bottom line. If you are a large producer, you will be responsible for covering the full cost of packaging waste management. Small producers are not required to pay these fees, but must still ensure accurate and timely data reporting.

The good news?

With the right strategy, companies can lower their costs by:

  • Streamlining packaging processes
  • Improving data quality
  • Getting ahead of compliance deadlines

How to Prepare

Now is the time to take action. Here is how to get started:

1) Register with the UK Government/Defra for data reporting


2) Know your packaging types:


  • Primary Packaging – Holds the product (e.g., bottles, jars)
  • Secondary Packaging – Groups products (e.g., shrink wrap)
  • Shipment Packaging – For e-commerce deliveries (e.g., boxes, bubble wrap)
  • Tertiary Packaging – For bulk handling (e.g., pallets, crates)


3) Review your internal processes – Are you collecting the right data? Are your teams trained and systems up to date?

A quick compliance audit now can prevent bigger challenges later.

How EMBACO can Help

EPR compliance may sound complex, but it does not have to be overwhelming.
At EMBACO, we support businesses in optimizing their packaging strategies and staying ahead of regulatory changes. From smarter material choices to efficient logistics, we help make packaging work harder – for your business and for the environment.

Please note: For questions related to your business’s legal compliance with EPR, we recommend reaching out directly to HMRC or your legal advisor, as the requirements can vary depending on your specific situation.

Need assistance with your packaging strategy? Let EMBACO help you.