British Glass has welcomed UK government plans to change packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The measures also include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans for higher modulation factors on less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. The government will additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees and material switching
British Glass argues that glass has carried a disproportionate share of pEPR costs because fees are calculated by weight rather than by the number of packaging units placed on the market. Since food and drink companies buy packaging by unit rather than by weight, the trade body says the method has increased pressure on UK glass manufacturers and encouraged a switch from glass to lighter materials.
What the planned changes would do
Higher modulation factors would place a greater fee burden on packaging that is less recyclable, with the change scheduled from the third year of the scheme. A revised material value for glass would change how the material is treated within the fee calculation. British Glass said the combination, together with a commitment to review future fee structures, moves the system in a fairer direction and better recognises the environmental benefits of glass.
The announcement did not specify fee rates or set out the precise scope of the hospitality exemption.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognised the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry, and that the proposals begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR. On the hospitality exemption, he said the full impact still needed to be understood, but that it was encouraging to see government acknowledge the challenges facing hospitality businesses and act to avoid unnecessary costs. He also welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timetable and remaining pressure
British Glass noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028.
The organisation said glass manufacturers continue to face high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy. Kirk said the announcements should mark the start rather than the end of the process, adding that manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now.
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said the government had demonstrated it was serious about tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.