British Glass has welcomed government plans to revise packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The measures include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR, so that fees reflect recyclability more strongly as the scheme matures. The government will also issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees under scrutiny
According to British Glass, glass has 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. The trade body said this has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by unit count rather than weight, prompting a switch from glass to lighter packaging materials.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognised the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said the proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass. The planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures all move the system in a fairer direction, he added.
Kirk said the full impact of the proposed exemption still needed to be understood, but that it was encouraging to see the government recognise the challenges facing hospitality businesses and take steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timing and industry pressure
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said the announcement must be “the start rather than the end of the process”, adding that glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown that it means business on tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.