EPR in the UK: Why compliance is critical for a fair food packaging system

The picture is showing a transparent PET food packaging tray with minced meat inside

EPR only works effectively when all obligated businesses participate. When companies comply with the regulations and pay the required fees, they contribute to a system designed to support better recycling and waste management.

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Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility is a regulatory framework used worldwide - across the UK, Europe, and many other regions - to improve the way all types of packaging waste (including plastic, cardboard, paper, aluminium, glass) is collected, recycled and processed. The principle is simple: shift the cost of packaging waste management from local authorities to the businesses that put packaging into the market, using fees linked to the recyclability of the materials.

EPR frameworks globally are designed to:

Increase recycling rates
Improve the efficiency of waste management systems
Encourage the design of packaging that is easier to recycle

By financially linking packaging design to recyclability, EPR helps drive more sustainable choices across the entire supply chain.

Why the UK’s EPR system matters

This picture is showing a food packaging tray with burgers and fries inside

While EPR is a global movement, the UK’s implementation represents a significant shift from PRNs (Packaging Waste Recovery Notes). The EPR system places responsibility across the value chain for food producers, retailers and packaging manufacturers to fund the infrastructure required for effective waste management.

When applied correctly, EPR delivers several important outcomes:

Increased funding for recycling infrastructure
Greater transparency and accountability across the supply chain
Stronger incentives for sustainable packaging design
A more consistent national approach to waste collection

For many businesses, EPR is prompting a review of materials, formats and data systems to ensure packaging strategies are aligned with emerging regulatory expectations.

Why a level playing field is essential

However, when some organisations fail to meet their obligations:

Funding available to local authorities is reduced
Progress towards improved collection systems slows down
Compliant businesses are placed at a competitive disadvantage

In the UK, EPR fees are based on the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) rating of the pack in its entirety. This sets the criteria used to calculate modulated fees. RAM evaluates packaging across its entire end-of-life journey: collection, sortation, reprocessing and its final application. kp Elite^®, kp Infinity^® and kp MonoSeal^® all achieve a green RAM rating, resulting in the lowest applicable EPR fees.

A fair, effective EPR system relies on shared responsibility and transparent participation across the industry. Ultimately, EPR requires businesses to ensure that innovation and new development actively enable effective recycling.

Responsible manufacturers leading by example

At kp, compliance is integral to responsible manufacturing.

As an active member of the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) and a fully compliant participant in the UK’s EPR framework, we support the systems that improve recycling outcomes and strengthen packaging sustainability across the value chain.

Our teams work closely with customers to ensure that food packaging solutions are designed with both performance and compliance in mind - helping brands navigate evolving regulations while continuing to protect product quality, safety and shelf life.

This picture is showing a transparent food packaging tray diced bacon

Designing packaging for the future

Globally, legislation is increasingly connecting packaging design with regulatory compliance.
Materials, recyclability, labelling, and reporting requirements all influence how packaging is assessed within EPR frameworks.

That’s why collaboration with packaging partners is now more essential than ever. At kp, we help customers simplify these requirements by delivering packaging solutions that support operational performance and regulatory readiness.

Solutions that perform. Packs that comply

The future of food packaging depends on balancing innovation with responsibility. EPR systems - in the UK and worldwide - are designed to ensure that packaging systems work better for businesses, consumers and the environment. Their success depends on industry-wide participation and commitment.

At kp, we are proud to support that progress with solutions that perform, and packs that comply.

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