British Glass has welcomed planned changes to the UK’s packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) fee system, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The proposals also include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans for higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. The government intends to issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Cost allocation concerns
British Glass argued that glass had carried a disproportionate share of pEPR costs because fees are calculated by weight rather than by the number of packaging units placed on the market. It said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by units, not weight, and had encouraged material switching from glass to lighter alternatives.
The proposals cover several parts of the system at once: the material value used for glass, the modulation factors applied to less recyclable packaging, and a separate exemption for glass supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues. British Glass said the combined effect would need close scrutiny.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognized the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said the proposed changes would begin to address some unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognize the environmental benefits of glass.
Kirk said the planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures would move the system in a fairer direction.
He also said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, while welcoming the government’s recognition of the challenges facing hospitality businesses and its steps to avoid unnecessary costs. British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
The organization noted that the reforms would not take effect until the scheme’s third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028.
Pressures remain
British Glass said glass manufacturers continued to face high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy. Kirk said the process should be a beginning, not an end, adding that manufacturers were making decisions on investment, production and jobs now.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had demonstrated a serious commitment to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.