Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging: What Food Businesses Need to Know
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By:
Joe Sizeland
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Extended producer responsibility for packaging (EPR) is now part of the UK’s packaging waste framework, having been introduced through the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 , with reporting requirements already underway and the wider system being phased in across the decade.
For businesses such as bakeries , caterers and hospitality suppliers with turnovers over £1 million, the changes bring new obligations around packaging data, reporting requirements and waste management fees. Here, the packaging experts at iKrafts explain these new responsibilities, and what they mean for your approach to packaging.
The introduction of extended producer responsibility for packaging is intended to improve how packaging waste is managed across the UK market. Historically, much of the cost of collecting and recycling household packaging waste was borne by local authorities.
The extended producer responsibility EPR scheme changes this by shifting those costs towards the packaging producers responsible for placing packaging on the market.
By introducing extended producer responsibility regulations, the government aims to:
Businesses that meet the relevant thresholds must track packaging data, report the amount and type of packaging they place on the market and contribute towards waste management costs.
EPR for packaging does not apply to every business. The rules are triggered once organisations reach specific thresholds based on annual turnover and the amount of packaging they handle each year.
Under the current regulations:
Businesses below these thresholds do not have EPR reporting obligations.
The extended producer responsibility for packaging regulations cover a wide range of packaging materials and packaging components used to protect goods.
Packaging is typically divided into several categories:
The regulations also recognise packaging components such as inserts, trays or packaging elements that form part of the overall packaging system.
Even empty packaging supplied to businesses for packing products may fall within the extended producer responsibility EPR framework. As a result, many businesses must review the full range of packaging materials used across their supply chain.
One of the most significant changes introduced by extended producer responsibility for packaging is the requirement for more detailed packaging data reporting.
Businesses that fall within the scheme must report packaging data covering the types of packaging materials they place on the UK market.
This may include information such as:
Businesses may also be required to submit detailed packaging data through formal packaging data submission processes and report nation data where packaging is supplied across different parts of the UK.
For businesses operating at the scale where these considerations apply, or those on a trajectory towards the thresholds that trigger EPR obligations, working with an experienced packaging supplier becomes increasingly valuable. iKrafts supplies trade clients such as bakeries, catering companies and hospitality suppliers across the UK with reliable volumes of packaging, supported by clear product specifications and consistent supply records. This kind of transparency helps businesses maintain accurate packaging data and makes reporting requirements far easier to manage as EPR obligations come into scope.
Another major aspect of the EPR packaging scheme involves extended producer responsibility fees.
Under extended producer responsibility regulations, businesses must pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they place on the market. These waste management fees contribute towards the cost of collecting, sorting and recycling packaging waste.
Fees are typically linked to factors such as packaging weight, packaging materials and the recyclability of packaging.
The system also introduces a recyclability assessment methodology, which evaluates how easily packaging materials can be recycled within the UK’s waste management infrastructure.
As a result, packaging choices can influence the fees that businesses pay under the extended producer responsibility EPR scheme. Packaging that is heavier, more complex or difficult to recycle may attract higher waste management costs, while simpler formats made from widely recyclable materials may reduce the overall financial burden. For food businesses handling large volumes of packaging, a move towards biodegradable packaging can have a noticeable impact on compliance costs over time.
One of the most practical ways for food businesses to approach extended producer responsibility for packaging is by working with a packaging supplier that understands both the operational realities of food production and the regulatory landscape surrounding packaging.
iKrafts is exactly that partner. As a UK-based packaging specialist working closely with bakeries , caterers, hospitality suppliers and food manufacturers across the country, we stay ahead of regulatory developments such as the EPR packaging scheme so our customers do not have to navigate these changes alone.
Because we supply packaging at scale to professional food businesses, we maintain detailed product specifications, clear supply records and full transparency around packaging materials and packaging components. This gives our clients the clarity they need when preparing packaging data and understanding the materials moving through their supply chain.
Working with iKrafts means businesses can:
For businesses already operating at the scale where EPR obligations apply - or those growing towards that threshold - having a supplier that is proactive about regulatory change makes a real difference. At iKrafts, we monitor developments in packaging regulations and industry standards so our customers can continue focusing on production, distribution and service, knowing their packaging systems are supported by an experienced UK partner.
If you would like to discuss your current packaging setup or explore ERP-friendly and sustainable packaging options for your food business, contact our team today .
