Joint Statement on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees: British Beer and Pub Association, British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation, Scotch Whisky Association, WineGB, Wine and Spirit Trade Association, and UK Hospitality

Joint Statement on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees: British Beer and Pub Association, British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation, Scotch Whisky Association, WineGB, Wine and Spirit Trade Association, and UK Hospitality

“With businesses facing numerous economic challenges, today’s announcement goes against the UK Government’s plans for boosting growth at home. The disproportionately high fees for glass demonstrate that the UK Government has not listened to the concerns of businesses – laid out clearly in last week’s letter to the Secretary of State – regarding this poorly designed scheme. The current EPR design does not meaningfully support the delivery of a circular economy, and adds a significant additional cost to businesses who use glass.

"There is a risk that without action from the UK Government to reduce these fees and move to meaningfully support businesses rather than restrict them, the scheme will result in producers switching to less sustainable materials and that many producers will be charged twice – further restricting investment into the economy."

“We are united in urging the government to reconsider the proposed fees, and to work with businesses to implement a scheme that truly supports the delivery of a circular economy.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

The UK Government's announcement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-2025-base-fees/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-2025-base-fees 

The joint letter from The Scotch Whisky Association, Wine and Spirit Trade Association, WineGB, British Beer and Pub Association, UKHospitality, and British Glass Manufacturers' Confederation to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed can be found here: https://www.scotch-whisky.org.uk/newsroom/trade-associations-write-letter-to-secretary-of-state-steve-reed-over-extended-producer-responsibility-concerns/