Packaging EPR Explained
Packaging EPR requires UK businesses to take financial responsibility for the packaging they produce or import. Here's everything you need to know about your obligations.
What is Packaging EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is a UK environmental policy that makes businesses financially responsible for the packaging they produce, import, or sell. The scheme is managed by DEFRA and enforced through the Environment Agency.
Under the reformed EPR scheme (effective since January 2024 for data reporting, and April 2025 for fee payments), obligated businesses must collect detailed data about their packaging, report it through the Regulated Packaging Data (RPD) system, and pay waste management fees.
The goal is to shift the cost of managing packaging waste from local councils and taxpayers to the businesses that create it — incentivising more sustainable packaging choices and driving the UK towards a circular economy.
EPR covers all packaging materials including plastic, paper, card, glass, aluminium, steel, and wood. Businesses must report by material type, packaging category (primary, secondary, or transit), and the activity they perform (manufacturing, converting, packing/filling, selling, or importing).
Who Needs to Comply?
You are obligated if your organisation meets both of these thresholds:
Annual turnover exceeds £1 million
Based on your organisation's total annual turnover
Handle 25+ tonnes of packaging per year
All packaging handled, supplied, or imported
Small producers (turnover £1-2m and >25t, or turnover >£1m and 25-50t) report annually. Charities are exempt.
Key EPR Compliance Dates
Missing a deadline can result in enforcement action. Here are the dates you need in your calendar.
H1 Data Submission
Large producers submit Jan-Jun packaging data via the RPD portal
H2 & Annual Submission
Large producers submit Jul-Dec data. Small producers submit full-year data.
Large producers: Turnover £2m+ and >50t packaging — report every 6 months. Small producers: Turnover £1-2m and >25t, or turnover >£1m and 25-50t — report annually. Scheme administered by PackUK.
Packaging Materials Covered by EPR
EPR obligations cover all these material types. You must report the weight of each type you handle.
Plastic
Paper/Card
Glass
Aluminium
Steel
Wood
Fibre Composite
Other
Industry-Specific EPR Guidance
Different industries use different packaging. Explore our sector-specific guides for tailored compliance advice.
Fashion
Polybags, garment tags, tissue paper, and shipping boxes — fashion sector compliance guidance.
Learn moreBeauty
Bottles, tubes, jars, outer boxes — beauty and cosmetics packaging obligations.
Learn moreFood & Drink
Trays, bottles, cans, cardboard — food and beverage packaging compliance.
Learn moreE-commerce
Mailer bags, void fill, shipping packaging — e-commerce seller obligations.
Learn moreNeed help with your packaging EPR?
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