EPR Reporting and the Circular Economy

In 2018, the UK adopted the Circular Economy Package (CEP), committing to prolonging resource lifecycles, minimising waste, and promoting resource efficiency. Extended Producer Responsibility is the UKs answer to meeting the CEP and incentivises the use of easily and widely recycled materials.

EPR for packaging will support local authorities by funding kerbside collections and more effective management of packaging waste.

With data being a key component of EPR and the first EPR data submission deadline now passed; this article will explore how EPR data reporting is intended to promote the core values of the circular economy and how these could in the long run benefit businesses obligated under EPR.

One critical aspect of EPR is packaging data reporting. This involves producers gathering and reporting data related to the packaging they place on the market as well as reporting what their packaging activities are, the materials used in their packaging and in some cases what UK nation packaged products are being sold into and discarded. This transparency in reporting helps regulators and companies themselves make informed decisions about packaging design, material choices, and recycling strategies.

EPR packaging data reporting plays a crucial role in advancing the circular economy. The circular economy aims to minimise waste and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible. By holding producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, EPR aligns with the principles of the circular economy in several ways:

1. Identification of Trends and Patterns

Data reporting allows obligated organisations to identify trends and patterns in packaging resource consumption. By analysing this data, businesses can pinpoint areas where packaging resources are being underutilised, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and usage.

2. Monitoring Resource Usage

Effective data reporting provides insights into how resources are being used over time. This monitoring helps organisations understand their packaging resource usage, allowing them to implement long-term measures for reducing waste and optimise their packaging formats.

3. Setting Targets and Goals

Data reporting supports setting realistic and achievable targets and goals for packaging efficiency and reduction. By having access to accurate and trusted data, obligated organisations can establish benchmarks, track progress, and set specific objectives for packaging reductions and improving overall efficiency.

4. Transparency and Consumer Engagement

Transparency in packaging data reporting promotes consumer trust. When organisations are able to share trusted information on the environmental impact of their packaging which consumers have access to, they are more likely to choose products from environmentally responsible businesses, not only driving trust in the organisation but also the demand for more sustainable packaging options. This reinforces the core values of the circular economy.

In 2024, some organisations will have 8 separate compliance reports: Plastic Packaging Tax, Shared Responsibility submission, The Plastic Pact and Extended Producer Responsibility. As the regulatory landscape becomes increasingly complex, with increased scrutiny from the regulators such as the EA and HMRC, it is more important than ever to achieve accuracy in your packaging data.

With our team of packaging compliance and data experts, Clarity can help your business stay compliant, save time and achieve peace of mind. If you would like to find out more about how our EPR solutions can work for your business please reach out to us on info@clarity.eu.com or book an EPR consultation to discuss your needs.