The EPR Transparency Revolution: Packaging Compliance

September 19th, 2025

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has taken a significant leap forward in transparency with updates to the public register of producers and compliance schemes under the new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) system.

What the New Producer Register Means for You

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has taken a significant leap forward in transparency with updates to the public producer register and compliance schemes under the new Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) system. This development, which replaces the former "list of large producers", represents more than just a technical upgrade, it's a fundamental shift towards greater accountability in the UK's packaging compliance landscape.

These changes have seen the playing field levelled ever more, which is crucial to ensuring EPR regimes are ultimately successful – especially as costs for producers of packing continue to rise. With information in this newly updated system available daily and easily accessible, companies have the ability to quickly research their suppliers to ensure they are remaining compliant throughout their supply chains, and also their competitors, too. Ultimately this improved layer of accountability and reporting provides greater confidence that compliance is being adhered to, and by who.

A new era for transparency

The new producer register, updated daily, provides unprecedented visibility into who is meeting their obligations under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024. For the first time, stakeholders can access real-time information about producer compliance status, creating a level of transparency that was previously impossible.

The register details crucial information, including whether a business is classified as a large or small producer, their producer registration number, and their Companies House number. All listed producers have registered for compliance year 2025, meaning they must meet their packaging EPR obligations for that year.

What this means for compliance

This transparency revolution has immediate implications for businesses across the packaging supply chain. The register creates a clear distinction between compliant and non-compliant producers, making it easier for stakeholders to verify the compliance status of their partners and suppliers.

However, there's an important caveat: the register only covers producers who have actually registered. Those required to register but who haven't done so remain invisible - and potentially non-compliant. This gap highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring comprehensive industry participation in the EPR system.

The compliance scheme register

Alongside the producer register, the government has launched a separate public register of packaging compliance schemes. These authorised schemes, operating across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, play a crucial role in helping businesses meet their legal duties.

It's important to understand what these schemes can and cannot do. Whilst they can pay registration fees on behalf of members and submit packaging data to regulators, they are not permitted to enrol producers in the report packaging data service or make payments towards disposal costs. This distinction is crucial for businesses choosing their compliance pathway.

The financial reality of EPR

With the new transparency measures in place, the financial implications of EPR are becoming clearer. A significant cost faced by EPR producers this year will be the payment of base fees, expected to be invoiced in October by PackUK. PackUK is the Scheme Administrator.

The government has released a full list of anticipated payment values for local authorities across the UK, with most payments running into millions. These funds, paid by producers, will flow to local authorities in November, with the government emphasising that funding should be ringfenced to improve recycling and waste services.

Why accurate registration matters more than ever

The launch of the public register underscores the critical importance of accurate registration and data reporting. With greater transparency comes greater scrutiny, and businesses can no longer afford to take a casual approach to EPR compliance.

Incorrect registration details or missing data don't just represent compliance risks - they're now publicly visible gaps that could damage business relationships and reputation. In an era where sustainability credentials matter more than ever, being absent from the register or having inaccurate information could signal poor environmental stewardship.

How ERP UK can help

The new transparency requirements reinforce why specialist compliance support has become essential. At ERP UK, we understand that EPR is more than just ticking regulatory boxes, it's about building a sustainable, compliant business that can demonstrate its environmental credentials.

Our comprehensive services ensure that your registration is accurate, complete, and maintained to the highest standards. We help businesses navigate the complex requirements of the new regulations whilst positioning them for success in an increasingly transparent market.

From initial registration through to ongoing data management, we provide the expertise and support needed to turn EPR compliance from a regulatory burden into a competitive advantage.

The transparency revolution is here. The question isn't whether your business needs to comply; it's whether you're prepared to do it well.

Contact ERP UK today to understand how these new EPR fees will impact your business and discover how our data-driven solutions can help you manage your obligations with confidence.

Contact our team