What UK Food Businesses Need to Know
Sustainability in packaging is no longer optional—it’s a regulatory requirement. Food businesses in the UK that make, package, or export to the EU must follow new environmental rules.
The European Commission sets these rules. At the center of this change is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This policy is changing how food companies manage packaging and waste.
If you make or sell food, it is important to understand new European packaging rules. This helps you follow the law, keep access to the EU market, and meet the demand for eco-friendly packaging.
What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy that places the financial and operational burden of managing post-consumer waste on producers, not governments. If your company uses packaging, especially plastic, you may soon have to pay for collecting, sorting, and recycling it.
This includes:
• Paying fees based on type of packaging and recyclability
• Submitting packaging data reports annually
• Participating in approved recycling systems or schemes
• Meeting producer responsibility obligations in each country you operate
EPR is a key part of the EU’s move to a circular economy for packaging. This aims to cut waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions from making and disposing of plastic.
What’s Changing for Food Businesses?
Here are key packaging reforms already in motion or coming soon:
1. Mandatory Recyclable Packaging
Packaging must be recyclable at scale—meaning it’s not enough for something to be technically recyclable. Consumers and municipalities must process it through actual recycling systems.
2. Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)
Many EU countries are implementing or expanding deposit return schemes (DRS) for bottles, cans, and other beverage packaging. Food businesses that use these formats must plan to register and participate in these schemes.
3. Sustainable Packaging Solutions and Reuse Targets
The EU is encouraging sustainable packaging solutions through targets for reused and refillable packaging. Food brands may need to shift toward refill stations, reusable containers, or returnable packaging models in specific sectors.
4. Packaging Labelling Rules
All packaging must clearly inform consumers how to dispose of it. The EU will standardize new packaging labeling rules. You must label each product and package component—caps, sleeves, trays, etc.—with the correct recycling instructions.
Why This Matters to UK Food Companies
Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, many British food businesses rely on the EU market for exports. To stay competitive, you’ll need to align with EU packaging laws and meet equivalent food packaging compliance standards.
Failure to comply can lead to:
• Fines and penalties under packaging waste legislation
• Loss of market access
• Product recalls or holds at border checkpoints
• Negative brand perception among sustainability-minded consumers
Packaging Redesign for Compliance
Many companies are now undergoing packaging redesign for compliance, with a focus on:
• Replacing difficult-to-recycle plastics with recycled plastics or compostables
• Reducing unnecessary packaging layers
• Eliminating mixed materials that can’t be easily separated
• Upgrading designs for recyclable packaging certifications
These steps are part of larger packaging plans. They aim to create more sustainable products and meet EU green deal goals.
The Bigger Picture: A Circular Economy for Packaging
The main goal is a circular economy for packaging. In this system, people use materials longer, generate less waste, and keep resources safe. Food businesses must now think beyond just safe packaging—they need sustainable, compliant, and low-impact packaging too.
This includes:
• Designing with recycling processes in mind
• Using recycled plastics wherever possible
• Considering lifecycle impacts of every packaging product
• Collaborating with supply chains to meet eco-friendly packaging requirements
How Can PJRFSL Help!
At PJRFSL UK, we provide expert help for your business. We guide you through complex changes. We also assist in adding sustainable packaging solutions to your compliance strategy.
Our services include:
• Gap assessments for EU packaging laws
• Support with food packaging compliance documentation
• Auditing for packaging sustainability claims
• Help preparing for EPR and deposit return schemes (DRS)
• Packaging and labelling reviews to ensure compliance
If you are working on full EPR readiness or need help with plastic packaging, we are here to support you.
Final Thoughts
Europe’s packaging regulations are transforming the way food businesses operate. By using sustainable food packaging, your business can follow the rules. This can help you save money. It can also attract eco-friendly customers from around the world.
Contact PJRFSL Today
Let’s make your packaging strategies more sustainable, compliant, and future-ready.
Email: [email protected]
Address: Genesis Centre, Innovation Way, Suite S06B, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4BF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 203 917 6096
Website: https://www.pjrfsi.uk/programs/
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