Think twice: British Glass warns producers against short-sighted packaging decisions

"Think twice before you switch” – British Glass warns producers against short-sighted packaging decisions.

Sheffield – 24 October 2025 – With pEPR fees for 2025 confirmed earlier this year, British Glass is urging producers to think twice before switching from glass to less circular packaging materials.

While the base pEPR fee per tonne for glass is lower than that of plastic, the difference in weight between materials means that a single glass bottle may still incur a higher per-unit cost than a lighter plastic equivalent. This has led some producers to consider moving away from glass – but British Glass warns that such decisions could be short-sighted, due to a number of upcoming policy changes that are expected to rebalance costs away from glass, strengthening its long-term position as the most sustainable and circular packaging choice.

Key factors include:

• UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS): From 2028, plastic packaging will face increased costs due to incineration emissions – estimated at around £185 per tonne – while glass will not.
• Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): Plastic and metal containers will incur significant DRS setup and producer fees, expected to add around 3p per unit, while glass beverage packaging will be exempt in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
• Future pEPR modulation and base fee changes: From 2026 onwards, glass packaging is expected to benefit from up to 10% lower fees due to its recyclability, while fees for less recyclable materials could double by year four. Further, base fees will be reviewed on a yearly basis and improved figures/metrics should see a reduction for glass.
• Environmental and health concerns: Growing awareness of microplastics and chemical pollution continues to push consumers and regulators toward safer, inert materials like glass.
• Circular economy: Glass is recycled domestically back into food-safe packaging within 30 days, supporting UK jobs and the circular economy – unlike many alternative materials that are shipped overseas and rarely turned back into packaging.
• Reuse and refill potential: Glass is uniquely suited to reusable packaging systems, supporting government circular economy goals.
• PRN volatility: With PRN obligations shifting solely to packaging producers, volatility in prices – currently as high as £265 per tonne for plastic, compared to £90 for glass – should be factored into long-term planning.

Nick Kirk,  Federation Director, British Glass said:

“Consumer demand and regulatory trends are moving firmly towards safer, circular packaging. While switching away from glass may seem cheaper now, it ignores the wider shift and the benefits glass brings in recyclability, reuse, and long-term cost stability. To brands and retailers weighing their options, our message is clear: think twice before you switch.”

You can find the full document here.