MPMA Criticizes UK EPR Fees for Undervaluing Metal Packaging Recycling

The UK government has announced the fees that manufacturers will face during the first year, which will take effect in October.

These payments, calculated per ton, will cover the costs of PackUK, the EPR scheme administrator, in addition to providing local authorities with additional income to cover the costs of recycling and waste management.

Jason Galley, CEO of the MPMA, commented: “The final base rates for packaging EPR represent a positive step forward, with encouraging reductions for aluminum and steel that better reflect their contribution to the circular economy.”

However, the fees assigned to metal packaging should not be considered in isolation, but in comparison with other materials. The fundamental difference persists when these fees are applied to real products, creating an economic incentive to opt for lighter but more difficult-to-recycle materials.

Although adjustments have been made to the base rates, metal’s unique role in driving the UK’s circular economy is still not fully valued within the EPR scheme, putting at risk companies that are committed to highly recycled and circular packaging.

While we appreciate that Defra has judiciously assessed the evidence presented by MPMA, we believe that the pricing for metal packaging in the British EPR scheme should be more aligned with European models, where fees for steel and aluminum are considerably lower compared to lighter and less recycled materials.

We are convinced that EPR for packaging can become exemplary legislation. We will continue to collaborate c