Methodology for assessing packaging recyclability for the purposes of labelling and modulated fees

Government (Defra, Daera and Welsh and Scottish Governments, ‘Government’) is bringing forward Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR). Details of its proposals are available at: https://epr-consultation-government-response.pdf. In summary, pEPR include: transferring the costs of managing packaging disposed of from households and in street bins from Local Authorities to packaging producers, to incentivise a reduction in unnecessary packaging;

setting higher fees on packaging that is not recyclable, to encourage use of more sustainable packaging;

introduce mandatory recyclability labelling of packaging, to ensure consumers are aware of what can and can’t be recycled and so contribute to increasing recycling of packaging. A Recyclability Assessment Methodology will be required to provide a common means to assess whether packaging is recyclable or not.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Scottish and Welsh Governments and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland are looking to develop a Recyclability Assessment Methodology, as part of introducing a UK-wide Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme. Government (Defra, Daera and Welsh and Scottish Governments, ‘Government’) is bringing forward Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR). Details of its proposals are available at: https://epr-consultation-government-response.pdf. In summary, pEPR include:

transferring the costs of managing packaging disposed of from households and in street bins from Local Authorities to packaging producers, to incentivise a reduction in unnecessary packaging;

setting higher fees on packaging that is not recyclable, to encourage use of more sustainable packaging;

introduce mandatory recyclability labelling of packaging, to ensure consumers are aware of what can and can’t be recycled and so contribute to increasing recycling of packaging.

A Recyclability Assessment Methodology will be required to provide a common means to assess whether packaging is recyclable or not. A contractor will be subsequently sought via an open procurement procedure. The Supplier will be required to conduct Research and Development, deliver the Methodology and will work with Government to deliver the requirement during 2023.