New EPR reforms could trim glass costs and packaging fees for pubs
The Government has unveiled planned reforms to the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, aiming to cut packaging costs for hospitality businesses. EPR makes producers cover the cost of collecting and recycling packaging, with fees set by type and weight. Hospitality venues have argued that on-site glass bottles are misclassified as household waste, creating double charges via EPR and commercial waste contracts. The BBPA estimates this costs pubs around £50 million a year. Two changes are planned. From April 2027, most glass drinks containers supplied directly to licensed hospitality venues will be exempt from EPR disposal costs, potentially saving up to 6p per beer bottle and 10p per wine bottle. For a typical pub, that could amount to around £870 a year, but the exemption applies only to direct sales, not wholesalers. Separately, the Government will consult on softer fees for easily recyclable packaging and tougher charges for harder-to-recycle materials, with the possibility of up to 40% reductions for some packaging. Officials will gather evidence on reusable packaging and how fees should be calculated, including recycled content and domestic recycling infrastructure. Emma McClarkin of the BBPA says leased and tenanted pubs must be included; UKHospitality welcomes the move but warns the direct-sales restriction excludes many venues. PackUK plans to publish a call for evidence in early 2027. Source: The Morning Advertiser
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