Packaging EPR: Defra publishes indicative fees for UK

The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the first indicative basic fees for extended producer responsibility (EPR), which is due to be implemented for packaging in 2025.

The new EPR system aims to make producers responsible for the whole lifecycle of packaging, emphasising the importance of design for recyclability.

Illustrative basic fees

Defra has published the following illustrative basic fees for packaging in 2025/26. The fees range from lower to higher estimates per tonne of packaging:

• Aluminium: £245 / £495 / £655
• Fibre-based composites: £410 / £525 / £655
• Paper or cardboard: 185£/ £260 / £350
• Plastics: £355 / £515 / £610
• Steel: £170 / £295 / £420
• Wood: £225 / £265 / £330
• Other: £225 / £265 / £330
• Glass: £130 / £260 / £330

The fees were calculated using weights of household packaging placed on the market in 2022, taken from the PackFlow Refresh 2023 reports.

In September 2024, the UK government plans to publish the next set of illustrative fees based on 2023 household packaging data.

Defra makes it clear that manufacturers should not rely on these figures for detailed financial planning as they may be subject to change.

The exact rates for 2025/26 will not be finalised until after April 2025.

Modulated fees from 2026  

From year 2 of EPR, the fees will be modulated to ensure that materials with a lower environmental impact are the least expensive for producers to use. The packaging sub-categories to be reported for modulated fees will be published in autumn 2024.

For packaging support, please visit the ERP UK website.

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