Since the beginning of the year, the UK has begun implementing its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which replaces the previous Packaging Waste Regulations. This includes a planned EPR levy on packaging.

Distributors will now not have to pay this until 2025, rather than from 2024 as initially planned. The costs incurred by the obligated company in each case depend on the quantity and material of the packaging placed on the market. The easier it is to recycle packaging, the lower the fees will be.

However, the UK Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) points out that, despite the postponement, distributors will already have to register from this year onwards and provide information on packaging type, material and weight, among other things.

Companies wishing to find out whether they are required to register under the new EPR regulations in the UK and what to do if they do, will find the GOV.UK guide an important aid.