British Glass has welcomed government plans to change packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) fees, including an exemption for certain glass packaging supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues.
The proposals would also update the material value assigned to glass packaging and introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR.
Taken together, the measures cover how glass is valued within the fee system, how quickly fees differentiate between materials according to recyclability, and what further evidence the government wants on modulation and reuse.
Fees calculated by weight
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 units rather than by weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
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 begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise 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 together move the system in a fairer direction, he said.
Kirk added that while it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, it was encouraging that the government recognised the challenges facing hospitality businesses and was taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs.
British Glass said it particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
Timetable and industry pressures
The organisation noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering the period from April 2027 to March 2028, so the announced changes will not apply during the current period.
It said glass manufacturers continued to face pressures from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy, factors that bear on decisions about investment, production and jobs.
Kirk said the changes 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 it means business when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.