British Glass has welcomed government plans to change the fees charged under the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) system, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The announced measures also include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging, and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for packaging materials that are less recyclable from the third year of pEPR. The government will additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees under scrutiny
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.
The organisation said this had increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers from food and drink companies that purchase packaging by unit rather than by weight, prompting a shift from glass to lighter packaging materials.
Industry response
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 began to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognised 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 moved the system in a fairer direction, he added.
Kirk said that while it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, it was encouraging to see government recognising the challenges facing hospitality businesses and taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse, he said.
Timing and pressures
The measures remain plans rather than settled rules: the calls for evidence are still to come, and British Glass noted the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028 — the same point at which higher modulation factors for less recyclable materials are due to begin.
The organisation said glass manufacturers continued to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
Kirk said: “This 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 that it means business when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.