Last month, BHETA hosted two webinars on EPR (packaging sustainability) to keep members informed of the likely impact of the new legislation.
EPR is set to be launched in the UK in 2024 and will have a significant impact on all supplier companies. The legislation is forecast to increase packaging PRN costs by eight to 10 times. Under current proposals, the burden of paying for recycling for branded products will move from general taxation predominantly to suppliers.
The two events included a presentations from BHETA service provider and packaging legislation expert, Wastepack, with a follow up from Toolstation on the impact for suppliers and retailers so far. Toolstation also addressed the practical steps it will require suppliers to undertake when the new rules come into play.
EPR is a total overhaul of the current PRN system, and will involve the most significant change to packaging regulations for a generation. EPR fees will be contingent on the recyclability of the material used, so suppliers need to review packaging to see if it can be either removed, reduced or recycled.
Reporting criteria is also set to be enhanced, possibly from 1 January 2023, meaning members need to take action soon. The minimum thresholds of turnover and packaging volume for small companies is set to be halved, so more small companies will have to pay.
BHETA’s marketing manager, Steve Richardson, commented: “Sustainability is a critical topic from every point of view and packaging solutions are a big part of the solution, and of the debate. In other words, it is vital for all suppliers to get packaging right for the future and this series of events, of which there will be four more, is an excellent way for BHETA members to ensure they are up to speed, and ideally ahead of the game.
“The content and feedback from these two sessions – as well as planned BHETA interaction with retailers on this subject – will also be critical in arming BHETA to upscale its lobbying on the best and fairest ways to achieve packaging sustainability. It is a goal we all want, but if it is to work then we all need to appreciate how best to achieve it without penalising the consumer in the process.”
