How to reduce cost under EPR

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a system whereby obligated packaging producers will be required to fund the full net cost of the collection, sorting, treatment of packaging waste as well as the actual recycling of packaging. It is the principle that the direct cost of specific packaging recycling should be met by the those placing the packaging onto the UK market. Transferring the responsibility from the taxpayer and placing it onto brand owners and producers. 

According to Defra’s 2019 impact assessment, compliance costs for brand owners, importers and in certain situations, pack-fillers will increase substantially.  

Clarity explores how you can reduce cost under the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility:  

1. Optimise your packaging format

Extended Producer Responsibility relies on a modulated fee payment model where each packaging material is charged at a fee set out by Defra. Modulated fees determine the cost an importer or brand owner pays for a type of packaging depending on certain characteristics such as environmental impact of its production, recyclability and the life span of the material used.

The modulated fees system incentivises change makers such as packaging producers to use materials with less environmental impacts and encourages a reduction of packaging use overall. The best way to reduce costs under the EPR system is to use more sustainable, easy to recycle materials in your packaging, and use less of it.

2. Maintain a portfolio of reliable packaging data

To forecast your packaging compliance costs under EPR, detailed and clearly evidencable data is crucial. With 2 data submissions a year, granular data is not only a condition of your compliance to EPR but is key to ensuring that you do not overpay for it.

To prepare for the cost of EPR and to ensure you are in a position to make informed decisions about your packaging format, complete data is essential.

3. Keep up to date on environmental policy

As with most policy in the consultation phase, EPR is subject to change and since the government’s announcement of EPR in 2018 we have already seen many amendments to the upcoming legislation. As well as all other environmental policy, this legislation is complex and nuanced; to make certain that you do not overpay for your compliance, remaining aware of legislative changes, consultations and response announcements is central to keeping costs down under EPR.

4. Join Comply with Clarity compliance scheme

Keeping up to date on legislation, ensuring your packaging data is complete and accurate with secondary verification checks from our compliance experts and transparent pricing and invoicing terms are just few of the benefits Comply with Clarity members receive.  By joining our compliance scheme, you will have direct access to a wealth of environmental compliance expertise. You will receive same day responses on all EPR queries as well as internal support for your stakeholders.  

Questions about Extended Producer Responsibility?

If you have any questions on EPR or would like to discuss your obligation and compliance to the EPR system, please use the form below to contact us and one of our EPR specialists will contact you same day.