British Glass has published a survey findings that challenge the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s claims regarding its proposed packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) reforms. The results reveal widespread concern across the packaging supply chain and show early signs of a shift away from glass packaging – towards less recyclable and less circular materials – driven by the policy’s poorly designed fee structure.
While British Glass supports the principle behind pEPR – that producers should contribute to the cost of managing the packaging they place on the market – the current approach is fundamentally flawed – calculating fees based on weight rather than volume, disproportionately impacting heavier recyclable materials like glass, and driving brands to switch to lighter, less sustainable options in order to save cost on packaging.
DEFRA claims pEPR will drive environmental benefits and reuse, but British Glass’s survey of brands, retailers and suppliers tells a different story:
- 43 percent of brands and retailers are considering switching away from glass.
- 77 percent of those considering switching would choose plastic.
- 38 percent of brands and retailers expect to pass on more than 95 percent of pEPR costs to consumers.
- Two-thirds are considering importing glass from outside the UK, as imports have lower costs so can absorb pEPR fees.
- Only 23 percent of brands are exploring reuse.
Nick Kirk, Technical Director of British Glass, said, “We are already seeing the consequences of these poorly designed fees. Packaging is bought in units not weight, and despite modulation, which aims to reward recyclability, starting in 2026, heavier materials like glass will continue to be unfairly penalised compared to lighter, less and non-recyclable packaging materials. As UK glass packaging will bear around a third of the total pEPR costs, businesses are actively rethinking their packaging choices.”
To read the survey findings click here.