British Glass has welcomed UK government plans to change packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The proposals 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 also issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
British Glass said glass had carried 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 unit, not weight, and had prompted switching from glass to lighter 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 began to address some unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognised glass's environmental benefits, adding that the planned material-value update, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and a commitment to review future fee structures would move the system in a fairer direction.
Kirk said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed hospitality exemption, but that 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.
British Glass noted that the reforms would not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028. It said glass manufacturers continued to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty over future packaging policy.
Kirk said the changes must be the start rather than the end of the process, noting that glass manufacturers were making decisions on investment, production and jobs now.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown it meant business on tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.