Packaging and environmental consultancy Ecoveritas warns that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reforms could be at risk if guidance publishing dates are subject to ‘further delays’.
The scheme is set for implementation in 2024 – delayed from 2023. Ecoveritas notes that EPR’s requirements for data reporting could see a ‘data burden’ across the value chain, with different businesses facing ‘brand-new, complex’ obligations.
According to the consultancy, ‘the packaged goods value chain has much work to do’, emphasising the need to balance encouraging best practices with safeguarding customers from extra charges.
The most forward-looking brands and packaging companies are already factoring modulated EPR fees into their business decision-making, says Ecoveritas. Eco-modulation will affect producer payments in 2025 based on 2024 sales, with different penalties or bonuses to be set for different categories of material.
However, the consultancy highlighted that the flagship policy resolves ‘crucial’ issues in UK waste and recycling, such as ‘better understanding, identification and management of waste is crucial to improving recycling rates.’
Earlier this month, the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning and Transport (ADEPT) similarly warned against delays to EPR. Responding to claims that the policy would exacerbate the cost of living crisis, Steve Read, Chair of ADEPT’s Environment Board said: “Every pound spent by councils on dealing with rubbish could be better spent against the spiralling cost of social care for the elderly and vulnerable.”
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) told Resource that it ‘did not recognise’ the figures cited in these claims.
A poll by data body GS1 UK followed, asserting that the UK public was confused about the Government’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) plans. Using a sample of 2,000 adults, the poll found that 42 per cent of respondents did not understand the plans, and 26 per cent had not heard about them. After the DRS was explained, 60 per cent of the adults surveyed said the return of a deposit would make them more likely to buy products included in the scheme.
Josh Remi, Ecoveritas’ Commercial Manager, said: “It is effectively a second waste and recycling revolution.
“And we are on the cusp of revolutionary changes. Yet the Government continues to take the blasé approach to another level.
“What businesses need, right now, is detailed guidance. Keep in mind that some businesses don’t even know obligations are coming. They need time to set up effective IT and reporting systems, so they are well prepared for the heavy data requirements when the legislation begins.
“We need more robust data-collection and tracking methods to provide a full end-to-end picture of how waste is collected, transferred, processed, and reused, and to identify areas of improvement in the processing and recycling of waste. This generates a huge data burden for entire supply chains.
“Although the original start date of EPR has been pushed back a year to 2024, we must not be fooled into thinking that this gives us plenty of time – keep in mind that reporting will need to cover packaging placed on the market from January to December 2023.
“There is a huge amount to do on a relatively short time scale – the new system will require so much more data than businesses are accustomed to collecting under the current system Producers and packaging manufacturers are moving into a more challenging world – and arguably they should if they are to truly reduce the environmental impact of their packaging.
“The waste and recycling revolution is clearly also a digital revolution as businesses focus on real-time data reporting. 2022 brings the next stage in Ecoveritas’ evolution and transition to a data-driven software model, all while innovating and creating customer value in new and adjacent areas, as well as deepening our investment and commitment to our partners. Our strong culture of innovation and integrity is key to the next decade.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.