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.
British Glass said the proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass.
What is being proposed
The government's plans cover four areas, according to British Glass:
- An exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
- An update to the material value assigned to glass packaging under the scheme.
- Plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR.
- Calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Why British Glass says the fee structure penalised glass
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. That, it said, has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by units rather than weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
Under the plans, the exemption covers certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues. British Glass said the government had recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and taken steps to avoid unnecessary costs, while adding that the full impact of the proposed exemption still needs to be understood.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognises the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry. He said the planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures all move the system in a fairer direction.
Kirk said it was encouraging to see the government act on hospitality costs, and that British Glass particularly welcomes the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timing and remaining pressures
- The reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028, British Glass noted.
- Glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy, the organisation said.
Kirk said the announcement must be the start rather than the end of the process, noting 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.