Festive Wishes from the ERP UK team – A Year in Review

A year in review: as we approach the end of 2025, we're taking a moment to reflect on a year that's been transformative for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) in the UK. It's been a privilege to support businesses navigating increasingly complex environmental regulations whilst championing the circular economy principles that underpin everything we do.

And looking ahead, as regulations continue to develop, there are plenty of opportunities for ERP UK to continue supporting businesses through the compliance journey.

What we've achieved in 2025

This year, ERP UK has been actively supporting companies as they navigate the often-complex landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). From packaging EPR to WEEE compliance, battery takeback schemes to the evolving RAM requirements, we've worked alongside businesses of all sizes to simplify their compliance obligations, and turn regulatory challenges into strategic opportunities.

A big part of what we do is sharing our knowledge and giving insights about what's to come regarding regulations. Throughout 2025, we've been at the forefront of commentary on Extended Producer Responsibility in the UK.

Our Managing Director, John Redmayne, appeared in national media talking about everything from packaging EPR's impact on small producers (in a BBC interview), to getting ahead with RAM in The Grocer. This continues to affirm our profile as an industry thought leader, ensuring that the businesses we support benefit from our deep regulatory expertise and forward-looking insights.

Championing circular economy principles

We've doubled down on our commitments to circular principles throughout 2025, publicising and taking part in initiatives that demonstrate what's possible when businesses, communities and compliance schemes work together.

The Great Cable Challenge encouraged households and businesses across the UK to clear out their ‘drawers of doom’ and recycle unused cables containing valuable copper and other materials. It's a simple concept that delivers real results, diverting recoverable materials from waste streams.

Our battery takeback scheme in Welsh schools continues to flourish, proving that education and action go hand-in-hand. The programme has diverted tonnes of batteries from landfill since 2012, and more importantly, it's creating lasting behavioural change. When children understand why recycling matters, they become advocates at home and challenge family habits. Today's students are tomorrow's decision-makers, making this investment in environmental education crucial for building the circular economy infrastructure we need.

A milestone worth celebrating

October 14th 2025 marked International E-Waste Day, and we were proud to share a significant milestone: over the past 20 years, ERP has collected and responsibly treated more than 5 million tonnes of electronic waste across multiple European countries.

That's equivalent to 500 Eiffel Towers or 625,000 elephants in weight. More importantly, it represents over 5.15 million tonnes of avoided carbon emissions and the recovery of valuable materials including 2 million tonnes of ferrous metals, 275,000 tonnes of plastic, 92 tonnes of silver and 20 tonnes of gold.

These numbers demonstrate what's achievable when producer responsibility schemes operate effectively, turning waste streams into resource streams and keeping valuable materials in productive use.

Engaging with industry

In November, we attended and provided feedback from the EPR Conference 2025, joining industry colleagues to discuss the evolving regulatory landscape and share best practices. These conversations are vital for ensuring that compliance frameworks work effectively for businesses while delivering meaningful environmental outcomes.

The conference reinforced what we see every day: businesses want to do the right thing, but they need clear guidance, reliable partnerships and practical solutions that integrate seamlessly with their operations.

Looking ahead to 2026

The regulatory landscape for 2026 and beyond presents businesses with a complex web of overlapping compliance requirements, but understanding these interconnections reveals strategic opportunities for streamlined implementation.

Packaging EPR evolution

The packaging EPR regime enters a critical phase in 2026 with eco-modulated fees taking effect. Green-rated packaging receives reduced fees, whilst Red-rated packaging faces escalating penalties - 1.2x in 2026/27, rising to 2.0x by 2028/29.

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) v1.1 framework now determines these classifications across five stages: Classification, Collection, Sortation, Reprocessing and Application. From January 1st 2026, Nation of Sale data collection becomes mandatory, requiring businesses to track which UK nation their packaging is sold in, with first official reports due April 1st 2027.

WEEE and Online Marketplace obligations

From August 12th 2025, Online Marketplaces became responsible for WEEE compliance of non-UK sellers on their platforms. This marks a significant shift in accountability that affects major e-commerce operations. This complements existing producer obligations while extending the compliance net to digital retail channels.

Vapes and Takeback Schemes

Specific recycling requirements for e-cigarettes and vapes take effect August 12th 2026, with producers funding collection and recycling costs. Retailers, regardless of store size, must accept both pre-ban and all rechargeable vapes despite the single-use vape ban launching June 2025. These Category 15 requirements introduce new collection targets by March 31st 2026.

Plastic Packaging Tax considerations

The £223.69 per tonne tax for packaging with less than 30% recycled content continues to drive material innovation. Currently, 51% of UK plastic packaging meets the 30% threshold, demonstrating industry progress while highlighting the competitive advantage available to early adopters of recycled content.

Deposit Return Scheme

We're also gearing up to support businesses preparing for the 2027 introduction of the UK Deposit Return Scheme on drinks bottles and aluminium cans. With the scheme launching in October 2027, 2026 is the year for retailers, hospitality venues and producers to understand their obligations and prepare their infrastructure.

Textiles EPR

One to watch for the coming year is textiles EPR (tEPR). In October 2025, the European Union introduced a framework for mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility regulations for the textile sector. While UK government is not progressing at the same pace, it’s expected that tEPR legislation is inevitable in the next few years. Businesses selling into European markets need to prepare now, and those operating solely in the UK should start building the data foundations and circular design capabilities that will position them ahead of the curve when UK regulations arrive.

How ERP UK Can Help

Navigating these interconnected regulations requires specialist expertise and robust data infrastructure. ERP UK simplifies compliance across packaging EPR, WEEE, batteries and takeback schemes through integrated solutions that address multiple obligations simultaneously.

Our data-driven approach ensures accurate RAM classifications, precise Nation of Sale tracking and comprehensive reporting across all regulatory requirements. With over 20 years' experience in the field of EPR, we provide the strategic partnership businesses need to transform regulatory complexity into competitive advantage.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas

As we close out 2025, we want to thank all our clients, suppliers and colleagues for their partnership, collaboration and commitment to building a more circular economy.

The regulatory landscape will continue to evolve in 2026, but that evolution represents opportunity as much as obligation. Businesses that embrace Extended Producer Responsibility as a strategic advantage rather than a compliance burden will find themselves better positioned for long-term success, with stronger customer relationships, enhanced brand reputation and future-proofed operations.

From everyone at ERP UK, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2026, simplifying compliance and advancing sustainability goals one partnership at a time.

For support with any aspect of Extended Producer Responsibility, contact our team today.

About ERP UK

To learn more about ERP UK and our services please visit our About page

Contact us today:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 3142 6452

E-mail: uk@erp-recycling.org

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