Retailers in the UK are gearing up for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to start in October 2025, transferring the cost of household packaging waste disposal to producers, estimated at £2 billion annually. Fees will be based on packaging type, weight, and recyclability, aiming to promote eco-friendly designs and reduce hard-to-recycle plastics.

Industry groups like the British Retail Consortium (BRC) are seeking clarity on fee calculations and fund usage to improve recycling infrastructure. Large brands warn consumers may bear additional costs due to the EPR rollout, impacting everyday goods prices. Retailers are adjusting packaging strategies to minimize EPR liability by reducing weight, eliminating materials, and switching to recyclable formats.

Businesses with an annual turnover above £2 million must register with the EPR system and submit detailed packaging data. Data reporting challenges have arisen due to a lack of guidance and local recycling service inconsistencies. Retailers are also evaluating product design, sourcing, and labelling practices to prepare for modulated fees under EPR, with a focus on adopting mono-material solutions and phasing out non-recyclable plastics.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: UK shops to take on full cost of packaging waste disposal