Data Services for EPR compliance

A conversation with ERP UK's Head of Data Services, Tracey Joyce

Data Services for EPR compliance: In the world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), data accuracy might not sound like the most exciting topic. But get EPR data wrong, and it could cost your business thousands in overpayments and potential compliance headaches.

We sat down with Tracey Joyce, Data Services Delivery Manager at ERP UK, to tap into her two decades of experience across Packaging, WEEE and Battery EPR Regulations. What emerged was a fascinating insight into why data quality matters more than ever, how the regulatory landscape is evolving, and what producers can do to turn compliance data into a genuine commercial advantage.

Can you start by telling us about your role at ERP UK?

I'm the Data Services Delivery Manager, which means I oversee how we collect, validate and report data[1] for our clients across all three compliance streams: Packaging, WEEE and batteries. I've been working in EPR compliance for 20 years now, so I've seen the regulations evolve from relatively straightforward reporting requirements to the complex, data-intensive systems we have today.

My team plays a central role in making sure that the operational data our clients generate gets translated into accurate, compliant submissions. We're essentially the bridge between what's happening in a business, and what needs to be reported to the regulators.

Why is data quality so critical in EPR compliance?

It directly impacts your bottom line. That's the simple answer. Your data determines your financial obligations under EPR. If your data is inaccurate or incomplete, you could end up paying more than you should.

There are penalties for non-compliance. If a Producer has knowingly submitted incomplete data, or not submitted any data at all, they may be deemed non-compliant and therefore open to civil sanctions or enforcement action.

High-quality data ensures transparency. It gives you confidence that you're meeting your legal obligations. It reduces the risk of errors that trigger investigations or fines. And increasingly, with regulations like the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), your data affects how much you pay based on how recyclable your packaging is.

My feeling is that the stakes have never been higher. We're moving into an era where data granularity really matters.

What makes ERP UK's approach to data services different?

Three things: expertise, process and collaboration.

We have extensive knowledge of EPR regulations across all three streams. That means we understand not just what data is needed, but why it's needed and how it will be used. We can spot potential issues before they become problems.

Our processes are robust. We use sophisticated systems to check, cleanse and verify data before it becomes a submission. We're looking for inconsistencies, gaps and anomalies. We're validating against regulatory requirements. We're making sure everything adds up.

And we work collaboratively with our clients. We're not just a service provider that takes your data and disappears. We're a partner. We'll challenge you if something doesn't look right. We'll help you understand what your data is telling you. We'll work with you to improve your data collection processes over time.

How are EPR regulations evolving, particularly around data requirements?

The direction of travel is clear: more detail, more frequently.

Take packaging as an example. The introduction of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology has completely changed the game. It's no longer enough to report total kilogrammes by material type. Now you need component-level detail, you need to know exactly what materials are in your packaging, how they're combined and whether they can be separated in the recycling process. This level of granularity is new for many producers and can be challenging to gather and interpret.

The other big shift is around transparency. There's growing pressure for producers to be more open about their packaging data and its recyclability That means data needs to be not just accurate, but auditable.

What are the most common mistakes producers make with their data?

The biggest one is relying on incomplete or estimated data. I understand why it happens. Gathering detailed packaging data is time-consuming. It requires input from multiple parts of the business or investing time into gathering data from suppliers. It's tempting to use estimates or industry averages, especially for smaller components.

Another common mistake is misunderstanding who counts as a producer, in relation to packaging EPR. Many businesses don't realise they have obligations. The term ‘producer’ is broad. It includes manufacturers, but it also includes importers, fillers, sellers and anyone who places packaged goods on the UK market.

We regularly speak to companies who've been operating for years without realising they should have been compliant.

Beyond compliance, how can producers use their EPR data commercially?

This is where it gets really interesting, in my view.

Your EPR data tells you exactly what packaging you're using, what it's made from and how recyclable it is. That's incredibly valuable information for making strategic decisions.

You can identify opportunities for packaging optimisation. Maybe you're using more material than you need. Maybe you could switch to a more recyclable alternative. Maybe you could redesign packaging to reduce weight or eliminate problematic components.

All of these changes can reduce your EPR fees. Fee modulation increasingly rewards more recyclable materials. If you can improve your recyclability (RAM assessment), you pay less. It's that simple.

But the benefits go beyond cost savings. Consumers care about sustainability. Retailers care about sustainability. If you can demonstrate that your packaging is optimised for recyclability, that's a genuine competitive advantage.

We've seen clients use their EPR data to drive innovation in their packaging. They've reduced material usage and eliminated unnecessary components. The result is lower costs, better environmental performance and stronger market positioning.

What role does education play in improving data quality across the sector?

It's fundamental. There's still a significant knowledge gap in the industry about data's role in EPR compliance. Many producers see data collection as a box-ticking exercise. They don't understand that their data drives everything: fee calculations, recyclability assessments, compliance verification.

We need better education at every level. Businesses need to understand their obligations, what data they should be collecting. The regulators, industry bodies and compliance schemes like ERP UK have a role to play too.

We try to educate our clients continuously. We explain not just what data they need to collect, but why it’s needed and how it will be used. We share insights industry knowledge from across the sector, ERP UK regularly hosts webinars and workshops[3], focusing on key data issues impacting our clients.

The more educated producers are, the better their data quality, and better data quality benefits everyone

What's your advice for producers who want to improve their data management?

Start by understanding what you're currently doing. Audit your data and data collection processes. Identify where data is coming from, who's responsible for it and where the gaps are and its accuracy.

And work with a Data provider and Compliance scheme who truly understand data. At ERP UK, we collect the necessary data and submit it. We also help you understand it, improve it and use it strategically over time.

ERP UK also combines the best technology with deep regulatory expertise and a collaborative approach. Above all else, our aim to help companies successfully manage their compliance.

Get in touch

If you'd like to discuss how ERP UK's Data Services can support your compliance obligations and help you leverage your data strategically, please do get in touch.

Related services

Data Services visit our webpage here.

Extended Producer Responsibility - visit the webpage here

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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