Understanding EPR

What is EPR?

EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility, is a new levy introduced by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). The purpose of this levy is to fund the management and recycling of packaging waste arising from products placed into the UK market.  

Who is impacted?  

Any organisation that introduces a packaging item to the UK market is initially responsible for paying the fees.  In the majority of cases this will be the manufacturer or importer.  The fees are based on the weight of the packaging used, in the case of glass it is currently £240/tonne, but fees will be confirmed by DEFRA in July 2025. 

There are varying obligations depending on whether you are classed as a ‘small’ or ‘large’ organisation.  

Small organisations

-            Turn over £1-2 million annually and supply/import more than 25 tonnes of packaging in the UK. 

-            Turn over more than £1 million annually and supply/import 25-50 tonnes of packaging in the UK.

Large organisations

-            Turn over more than £2 million annually.

-            Supply/import more than 50 tonnes of packaging in the UK.

What does this mean for you? 

Rawlings Group is obligated to report on any packaging we supply, with certain exceptions: 

• Supply to ‘Large organisations’ 
• Supply outside of the UK
• Supply for use in businesses (such as on-trade or hospitality) where waste is disposed of via business waste channels 

From the 12th May onwards your packaging supply will be subject to these EPR fees at rates confirmed in July by DEFRA.  Whilst there is still uncertainty within HM Government, we will accrue these fees until July when they will be billed at the agreed rates in force at the time.