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UK Packaging PRO appointed to lead packaging recycling scheme
PackUK has appointed UK Packaging PRO as the national Producer Responsibility Organisation for the country’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. Announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on 23rd March 2026, the appointment is effective from 1 April 2026.
Introduction
PackUK has appointed UK Packaging PRO as the national Producer Responsibility Organisation for the country's packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. Announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs[1] (Defra) on 23rd March 2026, the appointment is effective from 1 April 2026.
ERP UK welcomes the news and we look forward to working with the team at UK Packaging PRO. We’re confident that the appointment represents a new era of collaboration between government and industry in tackling one of the UK's most pressing environmental challenges.
What is UK Packaging PRO?
UK Packaging PRO is a not-for-profit, producer-led organisation created by packaging producers themselves. Backed by over 100 of the UK's largest brands, retailers and trade bodies, the organisation brings together major players including the Food and Drink Federation and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment.
The organisation represents companies responsible for nearly half of the UK's EPR fees, giving it substantial influence and responsibility within the scheme. This producer-led model follows international examples from countries including Belgium, France and Germany.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh emphasised the significance of this development: "Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme will incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices and improve recycling services in every region. The launch of UK Packaging PRO, led by businesses and working closely with PackUK, is a major step forward - putting industry expertise at the centre of how pEPR is delivered."
UK Packaging PRO - The role and responsibilities
UK Packaging PRO will work alongside PackUK, which retains overall oversight of the scheme including final decisions on local authority payments, producer fee setting and financial transactions. The PRO's role focuses on bringing industry expertise and producer perspectives to scheme operations.
The organisation will concentrate on several key areas. It will seek to increase recycling rates by supporting innovation and improvements across the packaging lifecycle, from design and manufacturing through to collection and recycling. This includes working to ensure that fees and incentives genuinely align with environmental progress rather than simply meeting compliance requirements.
Local authorities will receive practical support through data, insight and tools to help improve their recycling services. The PRO will also lead industry efforts to reduce and improve packaging across all four UK nations, recognising the different needs and circumstances in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Timeline and implementation
The formal appointment commences on 1 April 2026, and responsibilities will be introduced gradually to ensure a smooth transition from delivery by PackUK to UK Packaging PRO. This phased approach allows time for systems, processes and relationships to develop properly before full implementation. As responsibilities transfer to UK Packaging PRO throughout 2026 and beyond, the organisation will work closely with compliance schemes, local authorities and other stakeholders to ensure continuity and effectiveness.
Industry architecture and support
The appointment of UK Packaging PRO highlights the importance of getting the scheme's architecture right from the start. Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging represents one of the UK's most ambitious environmental reforms in decades, and its success depends on having the right structures, governance and industry support in place.
The producer-led model brings several advantages. It ensures that those who design and place packaging on the market have more direct input into the operation of the scheme. This should lead to more practical, effective policies that drive genuine environmental progress rather than simply creating compliance burdens.
Strong governance structures provide accountability and transparency. UK Packaging PRO has established clear governance arrangements with experienced leadership, including Sebastian Munden CBE as Chair of the Board. His 30 years of global FMCG experience and track record in circular economy innovation brings valuable expertise to the role.
At ERP UK, we agree that the collaborative approach between UK Packaging PRO and PackUK creates checks and balances. PackUK maintains core administrative powers and oversight, while the PRO brings industry knowledge and producer perspectives. This partnership model should deliver better outcomes than either organisation could achieve alone.
What this means for the packaging waste industry
For the first time, producers have a genuine seat at the table in shaping how the EPR scheme operates. This should lead to more informed decision-making and policies that reflect real-world operational challenges and opportunities.
The waste and recycling sector will need to work closely with UK Packaging PRO to ensure that collection and processing infrastructure keeps pace with changing packaging formats and materials. This collaboration will be essential for achieving the scheme's ambitious recycling rate targets.
For compliance schemes and advisers, understanding how UK Packaging PRO will interact with existing compliance routes will be crucial for providing effective guidance to clients. The phased implementation provides time to build these relationships and clarify operational details.
ERP UK’s view of the UK Packaging PRO appointment
What’s clear is that packaging producers must embrace the opportunities that EPR creates for innovation and improvement. Local authorities need to invest the funding they receive wisely to deliver better recycling services. The waste and recycling sector must continue developing the infrastructure and capabilities needed to handle evolving packaging streams.
“The UK’s packaging EPR scheme represents a powerful opportunity to transform how we design, use and recycle packaging. With a strong legislative framework now in place and clear industry backing, the focus is moving toward delivery,” said John Redmayne, Managing Director at ERP UK. “The months ahead offer an exciting chance for UK Packaging PRO to turn ambition into real progress, demonstrating how a collaborative approach can drive higher recycling rates, greater efficiency and more cost-effective environmental outcomes, as we’ve seen in successful international models.”
As a leading expert in Extended Producer Responsibility solutions, ERP UK understands the importance of having robust industry architecture and strong collaborative partnerships. We recognise the value that UK Packaging PRO brings to the scheme and look forward to working alongside them to support our members through this evolving regulatory environment.
For packaging producers navigating these changes, expert guidance remains essential. Understanding your obligations, optimising your packaging choices and ensuring compliance will require specialist knowledge and support. ERP UK continues to provide the data-driven solutions and comprehensive compliance services that businesses need to thrive in this new landscape.
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