British Glass, the trade body for the UK glass sector, has welcomed government plans to change packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The measures also 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. The government will additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees and material switching
British Glass said glass had faced 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 organisation said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by units rather than by weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
Industry response
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 Kirk, the proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass, and 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.
Kirk said that while it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, it was encouraging to see the government recognising the challenges facing hospitality businesses and taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He added that British Glass particularly welcomes the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timetable and remaining pressures
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering from April 2027 to March 2028.
The organisation said glass manufacturers continued to face pressure on several fronts:
- high energy costs;
- international competition;
- uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said this 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 when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.