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 measures also include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging and plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. Modulation factors adjust fee levels according to packaging characteristics, so raising them for less recyclable materials would shift costs toward those formats. The government will additionally issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
Weight-based fees under scrutiny
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 unit rather than by weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
The trade body's argument is that fees based on units rather than weight would align charges with how food and drink companies actually buy packaging. It said the commitment to review future fee structures was therefore significant for domestic manufacturers.
Nick Kirk, executive director of British Glass, said the government had listened and recognised the importance of maintaining a strong domestic glass industry.
"The proposed changes begin to address some of the unintended consequences of pEPR and better recognise the environmental benefits of glass," he said. "The planned update to the glass material value, the proposed acceleration of modulation factors and the commitment to review future fee structures all move the system in a fairer direction."
Exemption, timing and industry pressure
Kirk said it was important to understand the full impact of the proposed exemption, but that it was encouraging to see the government recognising the challenges facing hospitality businesses and taking steps to avoid unnecessary costs. He said British Glass particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
The organisation noted that the reforms will not take effect until the scheme's third year, covering April 2027 to March 2028.
British Glass said glass manufacturers continue to face pressure from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
"This must be the start rather than the end of the process," Kirk said. "Glass manufacturers are making decisions on investment, production and jobs now."
Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "The Government has shown today that it means business when it comes to tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing."