LONDON, March 23 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
UK Packaging PROhas been appointed as theProducer Responsibility Organisation(PRO) for the UK's packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR)scheme,PackUKhas announced today (Monday 23 March 2026).
UK Packaging PROis a producer-led organisation created tohelpdeliver one of the most significant environmental programmes in a generation. pEPRwill help drive the shift to more recyclable materials andreducewaste from going into the nation's landfills.
UK Packaging PROhas brought together more than 100of the UK's largest brands,retailersand trade bodies, supported by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF)andthe Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN),amongst others.
A truly collaborative model, an industry-led PROrepresentsa unique opportunity for stakeholders across the value chain to shape the future delivery of thepEPRscheme. It strengthens the partnership between government and industry, harnessing the insights andexpertiseof producers to deliver againstpEPRobligations and achieve shared goals, to increase recycling rates and drive circularity.
Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive Officer ofPackUK, said:
I'm delighted to welcome UK Packaging PROas the new Producer Responsibility Organisation.
This announcement follows a rigorous selection process, asPackUK was committed to choosing the best candidate possible to represent the diverse interests of the packaging industry.
The appointment of the PRO will further enhance the scheme by unlocking the benefits that an industry-led organisation can bring.
Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh, said:
This government will accelerate the circular economy transition.
Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme will incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices and improve recycling services in every region.
The launch of UK Packaging PRO, led by businesses and working closely with PackUK, is a major step forward - putting industry expertise at the centre of how pEPR is delivered.
Karen Graley, Head of UK Packaging PRO, said:
We'revery proudto have been appointed to play such a vital role in the Packaging EPR scheme.UK Packaging PRO was created to give producers a genuine seat at the table.
With strong governance in place, a clear mobilisation plan, and broad support from across the sector, we are ready to get to work - in close partnership withPackUK,governments, local authorities and organisations across the value chain to deliver a packaging system that works better for everyone.
The pEPR scheme providesfunding to local authorities,to drive improvements inrecycling,with£1.4 billioninvestedin Year 1 of the scheme. This helps toimprove packaging waste collection and recycling,whilst incentivisingproducers to reduce their material footprint.
The formal appointment forUK Packaging PROwillcommenceon 1April 2026, withresponsibilities introduced gradually.PackUK will maintainoversight of thePRO and ensure its accountability to the governments of the UK's four nations.
Core administrative powers, such as final decisions on local authority payments and producer fees, will remain withPackUK.
Today's announcement follows an extensive selective process anddraws onwell-established international best practice. Similar schemes already operate successfully in more than 30 countries, including in Belgium,Franceand Germany, where they have helped to drive higher recycling rates, greater system efficiency and lower costs.
PackUK will build onproven approaches while tailoring the model to the UK's four nation approach.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
