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 proposed measures include an update to the material value assigned to glass packaging, along with plans to introduce higher modulation factors for less recyclable packaging materials from the third year of pEPR. The government will also issue calls for evidence on fee modulation and reuse.
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, not weight, prompting material switching from glass to lighter packaging materials.
The trade body has argued that the current fee structure puts glass at a disadvantage against lighter packaging. It said charging by weight rather than by unit adds cost pressure on domestic glass manufacturers and encourages customers to switch 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 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, he added.
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 particularly welcomed the forthcoming calls for evidence on modulation and reuse.
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 pressures from high energy costs, international competition and uncertainty surrounding future packaging policy.
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 that it means business in tackling harmful packaging materials and protecting UK glass manufacturing.