EPR: What Retailers Need to Know

Big changes are coming to packaging compliance, and businesses need to be prepared.

At EP Group, we know legislation can be a minefield. That’s why we’re keeping it simple.

The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the UK will impact how packaging is sourced, used, and disposed of.

This is the first of a two-part guide:

1️⃣Part 1: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
2️⃣Part 2: European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)

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Part 1: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – What’s Changing?

What is EPR?

EPR means retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors will be financially responsible for the cost of collecting, recycling, and disposing of packaging waste.

It has been implemented to shift responsibility for the environmental impact and associated costs of packaging away from the public and local authorities. Instead it is placed onto businesses that supply packaging directly to end-users.

In short - If you supply packaging to consumers in the UK, you’ll be paying for its end-of-life household waste disposal.

Who’s Affected?

You’ll need to report and pay fees if:

• You have an annual turnover of £1 million+

• You supply or import more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year

• You sell, import, or supply packaged goods in the UK

What This Means

• Retailer-branded (e.g., McDonald’s) packaging: The retailer (brand-owner) is responsible for EPR fees.

• Branded packaging (e.g. our Eco by Jena Range): The supplier (EP Group) is responsible for EPR fees.

• Unbranded packaging:

  • Large businesses (>£2M turnover / >50 tonnes per year) → The responsibility lies with you.

  • Smaller businesses (<£2M turnover / <50 tonnes per year) → The responsibility lies with your supplier/manufacturer.

What You Need to Do

1. Report Your Packaging Data
   Submit detailed packaging data covering materials, tonnage.

2. Plan for EPR Fees
   Government will confirm baseline fees in July 2025 and send invoices in October 2025 (based on 2024 data).

3. Budget Smart
   Businesses should plan for EPR costs from April 2025 to avoid a last-minute scramble.

4. Be Aware of Future Reporting Requirements
   Your reported packaging data will eventually require a Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) which will determine the modulated fees based on packaging recyclability

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How to Reduce EPR Costs

EPR fees are based on tonnage and recyclability, so smarter packaging choices = lower costs.

Four Ways to Keep Fees Down

✔ Find Opportunities Where Packaging can be Removed or Reduced

• Ask: Does the product being sold actually require outer packaging?

• Ask: Are there multiple layers of unnecessary packaging, or mixed materials?

✔ Use the Right Materials

• Lighter, recyclable materials = lower costs.

• Plastic-heavy or hard-to-recycle packaging = higher costs.

✔ Switch to Reusable Packaging

• Multi-use takeaway packaging, returnable systems – No EPR fees.

• Reusable bags & refillable containers – Stay outside of EPR scope.

✔ Consider Product-Based Packaging

• If the packaging becomes a product (e.g., branded totes, storage boxes), it may not be taxed under EPR.

The right material, weight, format and the final usage can make a big difference to your bottom line.

We’re helping our grocery retail, high street retail, and foodservice customers prepare right now.

EPR is the first of two key regulations that businesses need to plan for. Next up: EUDR – the European Union Deforestation Regulation.

Coming soon: Part 2: What EUDR Means for Retailers