Manufacturing & Engineering

Packaging Producer Responsibility

Register for EPR, report packaging data, and meet recycling obligations through PRN/PERN purchases or compliance schemes.

UK-wide
Guide summary

If your business handles over 50 tonnes of packaging and has £2 million turnover, you must register for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by 1 October 2024. Report packaging data twice a year and buy PRNs/PERNs to meet recycling targets. Join a compliance scheme or register directly.

  • Register for EPR if turnover £2m+ AND 50+ tonnes packaging
  • Submit data by 1 October 2024 for January-June reporting
  • Report packaging data twice yearly
  • Buy PRNs/PERNs to meet recycling targets
  • Join a compliance scheme or register directly
  • Paper/board recycling target: 75-80%
  • Glass recycling target: 76-81%
  • Late registration penalty: up to £200,000
  • Lower fees for recyclable packaging
  • Brand owners pay full disposal costs
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in EPR Packaging

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging makes businesses financially responsible for the packaging they place on the UK market. If you meet the thresholds, you must register, report data, and pay fees towards packaging waste collection and recycling.

Who is obligated

  • Large producers: £2m+ turnover AND 50+ tonnes packaging
  • Brand owners: Pay full disposal costs for branded packaging
  • Importers: Obligated for packaging on imported goods
  • Online marketplaces: May be obligated for third-party sellers

Recycling obligations and the PRN system

Obligated businesses must contribute to UK recycling targets by purchasing Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) as evidence that packaging waste has been recycled.

How the PRN system works

  • Government sets annual recycling targets by material
  • Your obligation is calculated based on packaging you handle
  • Buy PRNs/PERNs from accredited reprocessors or exporters
  • Submit evidence to prove you've met your obligation

Compliance options

You can comply through an approved compliance scheme (who handle registration, reporting, PRN purchasing and evidence submission on your behalf) or register directly with the national regulators.

Compliance schemes

Most businesses join a compliance scheme for simplicity. Schemes charge membership fees plus per-tonne costs based on your packaging mix and the PRN market price. They handle all regulatory reporting and evidence submission.

Direct registration

Larger businesses may choose direct registration with the Environment Agency (England), Natural Resources Wales, SEPA (Scotland), or NIEA (Northern Ireland). This requires managing your own data submissions and PRN purchases.