OPRL member poll links key sustainability goals to UK packaging reforms

A recent OPRL poll shows that, for the majority of brands surveyed, key sustainability goals tie in with the aims of the UK packaging reforms.

Over half of those polled during the OPRL webinar (57.7 per cent), named plastic reduction as a key sustainability goal. Increasing recycled content came a close second, with 51 of the 90 webinar respondents (56.6 per cent) citing it. Carbon (29 per cent) and packaging weight reduction (24 per cent) were also listed.

Jude Allan, Interim MD at OPRL, said: “This feedback shows that reforms such as the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) are already having a direct impact on design. Plastic reduction, for example, will help businesses to reduce costs under both pieces of legislation.

“OPRL’s experience also reflects this focus – we are receiving a marked increase in queries relating to pEPR labelling. These range from, ‘What is the largest face on a sphere?’, to ‘What are the cost implications of recyclability assessments?’.

“With mandatory labelling for recycling scheduled for 2027, brands must also prepare. So far, OPRL has been the only organisation awarding independent assessments for recyclability but, under the new legislation, Defra will provide definitive guidance. We know that updating artwork, managing print runs and controlling stock levels takes time, so OPRL recommends that businesses begin preparations as early as possible.”

Under pEPR, brands and importers (packaging producers) will become responsible for the full net cost of disposing of household packaging. Producers must also report twice-yearly on the volume of packaging they place on the market.

Data reporting for Packaging EPR has already started, with the first fees due in 2025. By 1 April 2027, every product placed on the market that is destined for the household bin must feature the correct recycling instructions.

Since the launch of the Plastic Packaging Tax in 2022, any plastic packaging containing less than 30 per cent recycled content will incur a fee. In 2024, the tax stands at £217.85 per tonne.

Ends

Editors notes

1. OPRL is the UKs independent expert in recyclability for packaging, best known for the world-leading on-pack recycling labels that it supplies to its members.  OPRL works to achieve its vision of a world where packaging does not go to waste.

2. OPRL is an independent, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, established to help retailers and brands engage their customers in recycling. 

3. The company’s guarantors span ACE UK, Alupro, British Glass, CPI, INCPEN, LARAC, MPMA and RECOUP.

4. OPRL was launched in 2009, as a not-for-profit limited by guarantee as part of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The move followed work between BRC, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), their leading members, and WRAP. The aim was to devise a labelling system that would engage consumers with recycling, as local authorities started to roll out basic services.