UK Packaging PRO has been appointed as the Producer
Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the UK's packaging
Extended Producer Responsibility
(pEPR) scheme, PackUK has announced today (Monday
23 March 2026).
UK Packaging PRO is a producer-led organisation created
to help deliver one of the most significant
environmental programmes in a generation. pEPR will help
drive the shift to more recyclable materials
and reduce waste from going into the nation's
landfills.
UK Packaging PRO has brought together more than 100 of
the UK's largest brands, retailers and trade bodies,
supported by the Food and Drink Federation
(FDF) and the Industry Council for Packaging and the
Environment (INCPEN), amongst others.
A truly collaborative model, an industry-led
PRO represents a unique opportunity for stakeholders
across the value chain to shape the future delivery of
the pEPR scheme. It strengthens the partnership between
government and industry, harnessing the insights
and expertise of producers to deliver
against pEPR obligations and achieve shared goals, to
increase recycling rates and drive circularity.
Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive
Officer of PackUK, said:
I'm delighted to welcome UK Packaging PRO as the new
Producer Responsibility Organisation.
This announcement follows a rigorous selection process,
as PackUK was committed to choosing the best candidate
possible to represent the diverse interests of the packaging
industry.
The appointment of the PRO will further enhance the scheme by
unlocking the benefits that an industry-led organisation can
bring.
Circular Economy Minister, , said:
This government will accelerate the circular economy transition.
Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme will
incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices
and improve recycling services in every region.
The launch of UK Packaging PRO, led by businesses and working
closely with PackUK, is a major step forward – putting industry
expertise at the centre of how pEPR is delivered.
Karen Graley, Head of UK Packaging PRO, said:
We're very proud to have been appointed to play such a
vital role in the Packaging EPR scheme. UK Packaging PRO was
created to give producers a genuine seat at the
table.
With strong governance in place, a clear mobilisation plan, and
broad support from across the sector, we are ready to get to work
– in close partnership with PackUK, governments, local
authorities and organisations across the value chain to deliver a
packaging system that works better for everyone.
The pEPR scheme provides funding to local
authorities, to drive improvements
in recycling, with £1.4
billion invested in Year 1 of the scheme. This helps
to improve packaging waste collection and
recycling, whilst incentivising producers to reduce
their material footprint.
The formal appointment for UK Packaging
PRO will commence on 1 April 2026,
with responsibilities introduced
gradually. PackUK will maintain oversight of
the PRO and ensure its accountability to the governments
of the UK's four nations.
Core administrative powers, such as final decisions on local
authority payments and producer fees, will
remain with PackUK.
Today's announcement follows an extensive selective process
and draws on well-established international best
practice. Similar schemes already operate successfully in more
than 30 countries, including in Belgium, France and
Germany, where they have helped to drive higher recycling rates,
greater system efficiency and lower costs.
PackUK will build on proven approaches while tailoring the
model to the UK's four nation approach.
