PackUK has announced the appointment of UK Packaging PRO as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme, marking a significant milestone in the rollout of the new regulatory framework.
The appointment, confirmed on 23 March 2026, follows a formal selection process and will take effect from 1 April 2026, with responsibilities being introduced gradually over time.
A major step in pEPR delivery
UK Packaging PRO is a producer-led, not-for-profit organisation, established to support the delivery of one of the UK’s most significant environmental reforms.
The pEPR scheme is designed to:
- Incentivise more sustainable packaging design
- Increase recycling rates across the UK
- Reduce packaging waste sent to landfill
- Improve the efficiency and consistency of collection systems
In its first year alone, the scheme will see £1.4 billion in funding directed to local authorities to support improvements in recycling infrastructure and services.
Industry-led approach to shaping the system
UK Packaging PRO brings together over 100 of the UK’s largest brands, retailers and trade bodies, with backing from organisations including the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and INCPEN.
As a producer-led body, the PRO will:
- Work alongside PackUK, government and local authorities
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on scheme delivery
- Represent the interests of producers across the value chain
- Help shape how pEPR operates in practice
This model reflects a more collaborative approach, placing industry expertise at the centre of how the scheme evolves.
Roles and responsibilities
While UK Packaging PRO will play a key role in supporting delivery, PackUK will retain overall oversight of the scheme.
Core decision-making powers including final decisions on local authority payments and producer fee setting and financial transactions will remain with PackUK, ensuring accountability to the governments of the UK’s four nations.
To ensure a smooth transition, responsibilities will be phased in gradually from April 2026.
Learning from international best practice
The introduction of a producer-led PRO aligns the UK with established EPR systems across Europe.
Similar models are already in place in countries such as:
- Belgium
- France
- Germany
These systems have demonstrated the potential to deliver:
- Higher recycling rates
- Greater operational efficiency
- Improved cost control across the system
PackUK has confirmed that the UK model will draw on this experience, while being tailored to the specific requirements of a four-nation system.
What this means for producers
The appointment of UK Packaging PRO represents the next phase in the evolution of pEPR, with greater industry involvement in how the scheme operates.
For producers, this signals:
- Increased collaboration between government and industry
- Greater opportunity to influence scheme development
- Continued progression towards full implementation of pEPR requirements
As responsibilities are rolled out, further clarity is expected on how the PRO will interact with producers, compliance schemes and wider stakeholders.
Read the PackUK announcement here.
