Environmental, Social & Governance
The UK government has introduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, a regulatory framework designed to hold producers accountable for the full lifecycle of the packaging they place on the market. This initiative replaces the existing Packaging Waste Regulations and aims to improve recycling rates, reduce waste, and encourage sustainable packaging design.
Increased Producer Responsibility: Under EPR, businesses that supply packaged goods will be responsible for covering the full costs of managing packaging waste, including collection, sorting, and recycling.
Fee Structure: Companies will pay fees based on the recyclability and environmental impact of their packaging materials. This is intended to incentivize the use of sustainable and easily recyclable packaging.
Mandatory Data Reporting: From 2023, obligated businesses must collect and report detailed data on packaging usage, with full financial responsibilities that came into effect in 2024.
Modulated Fees: Fees will be adjusted according to the materials used, with non-recyclable packaging incurring higher charges. This encourages businesses to switch to more sustainable options.
Local Authority Support: Funds collected through EPR fees will be allocated to local authorities to enhance household recycling infrastructure and waste management systems.
What this means for BHETA members? Businesses that produce, import, or use packaging materials above a certain threshold will need to comply. This includes manufacturers, retailers, and online marketplaces. Companies handling over 25 tonnes of packaging annually and with a turnover of more than £1 million will be obligated under the scheme.
BHETA members can obtain support from Wastepack, a Packaging Waste Scheme provider. Wastepack support around 1,000 businesses in their long-running scheme.
For expert advice on waste compliance and related issues, or to learn more about becoming a member of The Wastepack Compliance Scheme call their friendly team today.
The 2018 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations require producers who manufacturer, import or rebrand electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to pick up the recovery, treatment and recycling costs for their old products.
Producers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are responsible for:
Joining a WEEE Compliance scheme
Registering as a producer each year
Marking your products with the crossed out wheeled bin symbol and a date mark
Ensuring distributors you supply have your producer registration number
Keeping records for at least 4 years of the amount of EEE put on the market by category
Taking on distributor responsibilities if you sell EEE directly to UK households
BHETA recommends the Electrolink Compliance Scheme which is owned by Wastepack.
Electrolink’s compliance scheme will help make compliance easier for members while ensuring they remain compliant year-on-year. Failure to register with an accredited compliance scheme provider could result in prosecution, for help and advice contact Electrolink.
The UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) was introduced in 2022 as part of the government’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote the use of recycled materials. The tax applies to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content and is either manufactured in or imported into the UK.
The tax primarily impacts:
Manufacturers of plastic packaging in the UK.
Importers of plastic packaging, including filled and unfilled items.
Businesses that use plastic packaging for products.
If a company manufactures or imports 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging annually, it must register for the tax and may need to pay a rate per tonne on non-compliant packaging.
The Plastic Packaging Tax aims to:
Encourage recycling by making recycled plastic more economically viable.
Reduce plastic waste by discouraging reliance on virgin plastic.
Drive sustainable innovation in packaging design.
BHETA members can obtain support from Wastepack, a Packaging Waste Scheme provider. Wastepack support around 1,000 businesses in their long-running scheme.
Wastepack can help you to identify packaging in scope of the tax, determine the recycle content, provide a robust auditable trail and calculate the amount of tax to be paid.
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