British Glass 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 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 also issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse, British Glass said.
Why the industry body sought changes
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. It said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by units, not weight, and had prompted material switching 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 unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass.
Kirk pointed to the planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures as moves toward a fairer system.
Hospitality exemption and timing
He said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, while adding that it was encouraging that the government recognised challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
The reforms will not take effect until the scheme’s third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028, British Glass noted.
The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy. Kirk said the planned 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 means business on tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.