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 industry body said the measures address concerns about how glass is treated under the scheme.
The proposed package also includes an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans for 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.
Why the fee structure is changing
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 purchase packaging by units, not weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
The organisation argued that weight-based fees do not reflect the number of units buyers purchase, creating pressure to move away from glass even as the material offers environmental benefits. British Glass said the planned update to glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures would move the system in a fairer direction.
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 also said that while the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption still needed to be understood, 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.
Timing and industry pressure
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the third year of the scheme, covering April 2027 to March 2028. The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said the announced measures must be the start rather than the end of the process. He added 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.