British Glass has welcomed UK government plans to change packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The package also includes 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. The government is also due to issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees under scrutiny
British Glass said 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 unit, not by weight, and had encouraged a shift 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. According to British Glass, the proposed changes begin to address some unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass. Kirk cited the planned update to glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and a commitment to review future fee structures as moves toward a fairer system.
The proposed exemption covers certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues. The material-value update and modulation factors are separate parts of the planned fee changes, with the latter intended to apply to less recyclable materials from the third year.
Hospitality exemption and timing
Kirk said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption, but added that it was encouraging that the government recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
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 over future packaging policy.
Kirk said the changes 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 it meant business in tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.