UK: governments outline plans for recyclability

On 27 February 2025, the UK’s four governments in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland released a joint policy statement outlining key priorities for the first year of the packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme.

A central focus is the requirement for the Scheme Administrator to publish a strategy document and policy on modulated fees by June 2025.

These modulated fees, to be introduced in 2026, will be based on the recyclability of packaging materials, with the aim of encouraging producers to shift toward more circular, resource-efficient packaging design.

The policy will be underpinned by a standardised recyclability assessment methodology, which producers must use to evaluate the recyclability of household packaging (see Compass article here).

Final base fees for 2025/26 are also expected by June, subject to timely and accurate data reporting.

To support compliance, ERP UK provides a Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) service for large producers, available either as a self-managed solution (LAMB Data Service) or as a fully managed service.

For small producers, ERP UK offers tailored support through its Small Producer Essential and Essential Plus services. These combine regulatory guidance, data checking, and optional outsourced data collection to help businesses meet their obligations efficiently.

Small and large producers were required to submit 2024 packaging data by 1 April 2025 through the digital government platform.

Attention now turns to preparation for upcoming reporting cycles and the publication of key PackUK governance documents in mid-2025.

It is not only about recycling processes and compliance, it is also about networking. ERP shares knowledge, insights, and news so that together we can promote the sustainable agenda.