Defra recently published information on initial illustrative base fees for the first year of EPR for packaging.
Claire Shrewsbury, Director Insights and Innovation WRAP said, “An EPR scheme for packaging is essential to better manage the enormous range of materials used in packaging, a large proportion of which become waste. It will play a pivotal role in shifting to a circular economy, and a zero-waste world. We welcome the clarity that the publication of these illustrative fees gives to businesses. Now, businesses can better plan their packaging with a greater focus of designing out waste. Of course, EPR needs to be part of a holistic approach to packaging – even removing it in the case of fresh uncut fruit and vegetables. We hope to see retailers and brands embrace other environmentally positive initiatives, such as mainstreaming refill and reuse models, as they adjust to the EPR scheme.”