{"id":532,"date":"2025-07-01T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mestilornava.com\/?p=532"},"modified":"2025-07-23T14:09:37","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T14:09:37","slug":"new-packaging-waste-rules-what-should-small-producers-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mestilornava.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/01\/new-packaging-waste-rules-what-should-small-producers-do\/","title":{"rendered":"New packaging waste rules: What should \u2018Small Producers\u2019 do?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"Packaging<\/h4>\n

John Redmayne, CEO of ERP UK, explains what ‘Small Producers’ must do about new EPR for packaging reporting thresholds.<\/h4>\n

Quietly, but firmly, the government has halved the reporting thresholds for businesses under its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)<\/a> scheme for packaging \u2013 meaning thousands of smaller UK businesses are now in scope.<\/p>\n

Previously, only firms turning over more than \u00a32 million that handed over 50 tonnes of packaging a year needed to register. But under the updated rules, any business with a turnover of just \u00a31 million that handles as little as 25 tonnes of packaging now falls under the spotlight.<\/p>\n

A new category, defined as \u2018Small Producers\u2019, has been created by the legislation. These can be small or large companies across a wide range of activities \u2013 including importers, brand owners, online marketplaces, filler suppliers, packers, service providers, and distributors.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While there is a lesser compliance burden on this group, compared to large producers, reporting of packaging usage is legally required. Data will need to be submitted in 2025, covering the activities of 2024.<\/p>\n

The immediate costs to register and comply are relatively low. However, the risk of non-compliance is anything but. If an organisation misses the reporting deadlines, or fails to register, hefty fines could follow.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Environment Agency recently told trade magazine The Grocer<\/a> that it took action against more than 1,000 companies in the five months to March 2025, to bring them in line with the ERP rules.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For many SMEs, whether in floristry, catering distribution or e-commerce footwear, this change could easily slip under the radar until it\u2019s too late.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Smaller businesses often don\u2019t have the luxury of legal or compliance teams, so many aren\u2019t even aware that they are now accountable for their packaging waste.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How should Small Producers proceed?<\/h2>\n

\"extended<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get registered, and gather data\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even though the 1 April 2025 deadline has passed, it\u2019s not too late to act. If you\u2019re a Small Producer looking to future-proof your business for compliance, the sooner you get organised, the better. Start by checking if you\u2019re affected \u2013 the government has a helpful online guide <\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you meet the new thresholds, registering with their environment agency and paying the correct fee is essential. There are two ways to manage your packaging obligations:\u00a0<\/p>\n