British Glass has welcomed government plans to revise packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The package also includes an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for packaging materials that are less recyclable, starting in the third year of pEPR. The government will additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees and material switching
According to British Glass, 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. The organisation said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that buy packaging by units rather than weight, prompting switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
The planned modulation factors are meant to differentiate fees according to how recyclable a material is, with less recyclable packaging attracting higher factors from the scheme's third year. The calls for evidence on modulation and reuse will run alongside the other measures.
Industry reaction
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 of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass.
“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,” he said.
Kirk said that while it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, it was encouraging that the government recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He added that British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timing and remaining pressures
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, 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 announcement “must be the start rather than the end of the process”, adding that glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had shown it “means business” on tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.