What is the UK’s pEPR Scheme ?
And Why does It Matter for Your Packaging?
As of January 2025, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations have been in full effect in the UK. These regulations place the financial responsibility for the entire lifecycle of packaging waste – from collection to disposal – squarely on the shoulders of packaging producers.
For many businesses, this marks a significant shift in how packaging is managed, tracked, and accounted for.
Is your business affected?
Your business likely has packaging compliance obligations if all of the following apply:
- Annual UK turnover exceeds £1 million.
- Has a physical presence in the UK.
- Handles more than 25 tonnes of packaging and/or packaging materials annually
Businesses are categorised into "Small Producers" and "Large Producers" with different thresholds and reporting requirements:
- Small Producers: Annual turnover exceeding £1 million AND imports or supplies more than 25 tonnes of packaging, but does not meet the 'Large' producer thresholds. Small Producers must report packaging tonnage data once a year by April 1st.
- Large Producers: Annual turnover exceeding £2 million AND imports or supplies more than 50 tonnes of packaging. Large Producers must report packaging tonnage data twice a year, by April 1st and October 1st.
Why this matters now
Failing to comply with EPR regulations isn’t just a risk — it could mean penalties, fines, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Enforcement is increasing, audits are underway, and more officers are being trained to scrutinise packaging data closely.
This makes your packaging choices – and your packaging partners – more critical than ever.
How We Seal Supports the New EPR Landscape
With new packaging regulations under pEPR, sustainability is now a business necessity. We Seal, sealing 95% of the UK’s bagged bread, offers a smart solution with resealable, recyclable closures that help producers stay compliant and reduce environmental impact.
A fully recyclable and reusable bread bag closure from We Seal
Why We Seal is ideal for pEPR compliance:
- Fully Recyclable: Closures are 100% recyclable with the bread bag, simplifying recycling and meeting Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) criteria.
- Less Plastic: Uses 80% less raw plastic and includes 30% recycled content, supporting circular economy goals.
- Waste Reduction: Reseals over 50 times, keeping bread fresher and reducing food waste.
In conclusion, as UK businesses take on greater financial responsibility under the new pEPR regulations, packaging choices have never been more important. Selecting packaging partners that prioritise reusability, full recyclability, reduced virgin plastic content, and efficiency is no longer optional - it’s essential. These decisions not only support compliance with evolving legislation but also pave the way for a more sustainable, forward-thinking future in packaging.
