Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Packaging Costs Explained

Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a UK scheme that was introduced by DEFRA. It is designed to ensure that the businesses placing packaging on the market contribute to the cost of managing and recycling it once it becomes waste. In simple terms, the scheme shifts the responsibility for recycling away from local authorities and onto producers, suppliers, and brand owners who use packaging materials such as glass, cardboard, plastic, and metal.

Under EPR, packaging costs are calculated based on the type of material used and its weight. Materials that are more expensive or complex to recycle attract higher fees. These charges are applied across the supply chain.

Why these costs are passed on

As a supplier, we are charged directly under the EPR scheme for the packaging we place on the market. These charges are set nationally and are based on packaging material and weight. To remain sustainable as a business and continue providing high‑quality products, we are required to pass these packaging costs on in a transparent and proportionate way. This ensures compliance with government regulations.

Ultimately, EPR is designed to encourage smarter packaging choices across the industry. By making the true cost of packaging more visible, the scheme incentivises reduced waste, improved recyclability, and more environmentally responsible packaging decisions.

Packaging cost reference

Below is a simple guide to the current EPR costs per tonne, along with the equivalent cost per kilogram, for common packaging materials:

For more detailed and up‑to‑date information on Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, you can visit the official UK government guidance here: Extended producer responsibility for packaging – GOV.UK.