In a recent Products of Change webinar, community member and packaging specialist, Mike Swain, unpacked the current state of EPR across the UK and EU – bringing clarity to a rapidly shifting regulatory environment and sparking valuable discussion across sectors.
Watch the full webinar recording here.
The session opened with an introduction to Mike, not only as a packaging expert but as a long-standing contributor to the POC network. With the goal of updating members on the latest EPR developments and identifying industry pain points, the conversation quickly homed in on the bigger picture: the European Green Deal.
Mike set the scene by explaining how the Green Deal is reshaping priorities – from a traditional focus on recycling to a new hierarchy built around reuse, repair, and responsible disposal. Transparency and communication, he noted, will be critical enablers as the industry adapts to new expectations.
UK EPR: where we are and what comes next
Zooming in on the UK, Mike highlighted the appointment of Pack UK as the scheme administrator earlier this year – a major milestone in the country’s EPR rollout. With new structures in place to govern fee allocation and compliance, packaging producers are now facing a far more rigorous system.
A key area of focus was the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) and the introduction of new reporting mechanisms for Packaging Producer Responsibility (PPR). Mike stressed that accurate data collection isn’t just good practice – it’s essential. Misreporting, he warned, could lead to significant financial consequences as modulation fees are refined.
EPR in the EU: A complex but critical framework
When it comes to the EU, Mike offered a comparative lens. While the bloc has had a longer runway to develop its EPR systems, the process has also grown more complex – especially post-Brexit. With directives evolving into more binding regulations, and the recent adoption of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), businesses operating across borders face a patchwork of national rules and reporting requirements.
Differences in base fees and modulation structures were also discussed, with Mike encouraging brands to take the time to understand each member state’s implementation. “This isn’t a copy-paste model,” he explained. “It’s critical to localise your compliance strategy.”
Looking ahead: what to watch for
Helena closed the session with a look forward, announcing a forthcoming packaging webinar with Paul Earnshaw of Tesco, where modulation fees and their retail impact will take centre stage.
In the meantime, members were encouraged to stay engaged, access resources via Pack UK’s website, and keep lines of communication open. “The landscape is changing fast,” Mike reminded the group, “but by working collaboratively and staying informed, we can shape a more sustainable, resilient future.”
Helena wrapped up by thanking the community for their continued engagement and wishing all a well-earned weekend—reminding everyone that the strength of the POC network lies in knowledge sharing and collective progress.
