Manufacturing Today Issue - 248 May 2026 | Page 26

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Extended Producer Responsibility( EPR) is in its third year of reporting( the second with costs based on data submissions) – and the financial reality is materializing.

All 2025 data should have been reported. So, what should manufacturers be aware of in the remaining months of 2026?
A defining change this year is that fees will be modulated according to the Recyclability Assessment Methodology( RAM). Manufacturers must assess the sustainability of their packaging or face increased costs.
While EPR might seem a cost burden, it’ s a fundamental change in how packaging is reviewed, reported on and what happens to it at end-of-life. This creates real opportunities for manufacturing businesses to think differently about the packaging they place on the market and prioritize recyclability, supporting their sustainability and financial goals.
To help you keep pace with this pivotal legislation, there are three actions that matter most.
1. Know your full liability( it’ s now a need, not a‘ nice to have’)
EPR obligations depend on business size – these are the nuances to know …
You’ re a small producer if you turn over between £ 1 million and £ 2 million and supply more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually in the UK. Or, if turnover exceeds £ 1 million and you supply 25-50 tonnes annually in the UK.
Small producers must report data but don’ t need to pay household fees or PRN costs – only scheme and Environment Agency fees.
A large producer is any company that has a turnover of £ 2 million or more and handles 50 tonnes of packaging. These businesses must report every six months and will then have their associated
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