British Glass submits pEPR evidence report to DEFRA highlighting unintended impacts on UK manufacturing
Sheffield 30/03/2026
British Glass has today confirmed it has submitted a comprehensive pEPR evidence report to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), PackUK, HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) setting out the growing concerns of the UK glass sector about the unintended consequences of the current packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) policy design.
The report brings together industry evidence from across the glass supply chain to demonstrate how the current structure of pEPR fees risks undermining UK manufacturing, distorting material choices, and inadvertently encouraging the use of less sustainable packaging alternatives.
British Glass has worked closely with its members to build a single, robust evidence base that clearly illustrates the commercial and environmental impacts emerging as the policy is implemented. The submission presents concise, practical evidence highlighting areas where the policy framework is producing outcomes that run counter to its intended environmental goals.
Central to the report is evidence showing that the current pEPR fee design is creating strong financial incentives for packaging producers to switch away from glass and towards plastic packaging. This trend risks increasing the use of other materials while simultaneously weakening demand for glass, a material that is widely recycled and integral to the UK's circular economy.
The submission also outlines how the current system could drive increased reliance on imported packaged goods, placing additional pressure on UK-based manufacturers and supply chains. British Glass warns that without adjustments to the policy design, the combined effect of fee levels, modulation structures and implementation timelines could unintentionally disadvantage domestic manufacturing while failing to deliver the intended environmental benefits.
The report identifies several areas where policy and fee structures could be reconsidered to better reflect real-world impacts. By presenting evidence drawn directly from businesses across the sector, British Glass aims to provide DEFRA with a clear, practical understanding of how current arrangements are affecting investment decisions, material selection, and market competitiveness.
A key recommendation from the sector is that the Government pauses the introduction of pEPR fees while these impacts are fully assessed. British Glass believes a temporary pause would allow policymakers to work with industry to develop a revised approach that delivers environmental objectives without creating unintended market distortions.
Throughout the process, British Glass has acted on behalf of its members to ensure their experiences and concerns are clearly represented. Many businesses across the sector are already reporting significant commercial pressures linked to anticipated pEPR costs and uncertainty around future fee structures.
Dr Nick Kirk, Federation Director said: “By submitting this report, British Glass is demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting both the environmental role of glass packaging and the future of UK manufacturing. The organisation will continue to engage constructively with DEFRA and other stakeholders to ensure the policy framework supports sustainable materials, a competitive domestic industry, and the long-term goals of the circular economy.
“British Glass remains committed to working collaboratively with Government to ensure that EPR delivers meaningful environmental outcomes while maintaining a level playing field for all packaging materials.”
