PackUK, to be known as PecynUK in Wales, has been established to help deliver the UK’s four nation Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme.
This will shift the cost of managing household packaging waste from taxpayers and local authorities to those businesses who use and supply the packaging, applying the ‘polluter pays’ principle.
PackUK will set pEPR’s fees, raise the fees from obligated producers, and make packaging waste disposal payments to local authorities in return for the delivery of better collection and recycling services.
It will also be responsible for public communications and information campaigns to encourage the public to dispose of packaging waste correctly.
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.”
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at The Food and Drink Federation, added: “The new Extended Producer Responsibility 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.
“We’re pleased to be working closely with PackUK to ensure that this multi-billion-pound investment produces real results for the nation.”
It is expected that pEPR will generate more than £1bn annually to support household collection and disposal services, including recycling services, while also incentivising businesses to reduce unnecessary packaging and use more recycled and recyclable packaging.
This, in turn, will lead to less waste going to landfill and reduce the release of damaging CO2 emissions.
PackUK’s design and set up has been supported by an industry-led advisory steering group chaired by Sebastian Munden, former chief executive of Unilever UK & Ireland.
It will continue work with packaging producers to explore ways to enhance the role of businesses across its delivery, including the appointment of a new Producer Responsibility Organisation.
It is estimated that alongside the Simpler Recycling legislation and Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers, the pEPR scheme will stimulate an estimated £10bn investment in recycling services and infrastructure across the UK over the next 10 years, and in England alone the potential to create 21,000 new jobs.
The new packaging reforms will together create green jobs and play a key role in delivering Net Zero, reducing the UK’s emissions from landfill by an estimated 32 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2037.
PackUK will be at Packaging Innovations, at the NEC in Birmingham from 12-13 February 2025.
An initial launch session on 12 February will be hosted on the central circular economy stage, and there will also be a further panel discussion on 13 February that will see key value chain voices discuss common aspirations for pEPR and how collaboration between PackUK and its stakeholders is key to delivering a fair and efficient scheme.
“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,” said James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at Easyfairs UK.
“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.”
