The UK Government has revealed plans to remove extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees on certain glass drinks containers supplied directly to pubs, restaurants, and licensed hospitality venues from April 2027.
The change is designed to address “double charging” where the same packaging is recycled through hospitality waste streams.
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The Government estimates that it could reduce costs by up to 6p for each beer bottle and 10p for each wine bottle.
A pub selling 10,000 beer bottles and 3,700 wine bottles annually could save as much as £870 ($1,154) a year, according to the government.
The exemption will apply to glass drinks containers sold directly by producers to hospitality businesses.
The government said the measure forms part of its support for the British glass industry. It will also consult businesses on the structure of packaging waste fees.
The proposed approach would charge lower fees for readily recyclable materials, including glass and paper, and higher fees for packaging that is more difficult to recycle, such as some plastics.
Fees for the most recyclable packaging could fall by up to 40% a year under the proposed changes.
EPR was introduced to “incentivise” companies to use more sustainable packaging and to contribute to the costs of packaging waste management.
The government has provided £1.4 bn to councils through the scheme to improve recycling services. It will retain the principle that producers should pay towards the cost of dealing with packaging waste, while making the framework more targeted.
Meanwhile, the independent Trade Remedies Authority is investigating imports of glass containers from China and Turkey.
The Chinese investigation concerns alleged dumping, while the Turkish investigation concerns alleged subsidies.
A provisional anti-dumping measure on Chinese imports took effect on 9 September following a Trade Remedies Authority recommendation. The two investigations remain under way.
Next month, the government will issue a call for evidence on ways to increase packaging reuse among businesses.
