This update is crucial for producers preparing for the upcoming changes, offering more accurate estimates based on the latest available data. The key points and updates from this release are summarised below.
Second release of illustrative packaging Extended Producer Responsibility base fees for 2025 to 2026 for all packaging materials
| Material | Initial Lower (in £/tonne) | Revised Lower (in £/tonne) | Difference (Lower) | Initial Intermediate (in £/tonne) | Revised Intermediate (in £/tonne) | Difference (Intermediate) | Initial Higher (in £/tonne) | Revised Higher (in £/tonne) | Difference (Higher) |
| Aluminium | £245 | £320 | +75 | £495 | £405 | -90 | £655 | £605 | -50 |
| Fibre-based composite | £410 | £355 | -55 | £525 | £450 | -75 | £655 | £565 | -90 |
| Glass | £130 | £110 | -20 | £260 | £175 | -85 | £330 | £215 | -115 |
| Paper and card | £185 | £135 | -50 | £260 | £190 | -70 | £350 | £250 | -100 |
| Plastic | £355 | £360 | +5 | £515 | £425 | -90 | £610 | £520 | -90 |
| Steel | £170 | £220 | +50 | £295 | £265 | -30 | £420 | £330 | -90 |
| Wood | £225 | £145 | -80 | £265 | £240 | -25 | £330 | £340 | +10 |
| Other | £225 | £180 | -45 | £265 | £205 | -60 | £330 | £240 | -90 |
Key Differences from the First Release
- Updated Data from Producers:
The second release uses data submitted by large producers into the Report Packaging Data online portal for the 2023 calendar year. This updated data has been used to calculate the household tonnages in scope for EPR producer fees. - Glass Packaging Estimates:
Unlike other materials, glass packaging tonnages remain based on estimates from the PackFlow 2023 Refresh Reports, as reporting from Scotland for 2023 was not included. This decision ensures more accurate estimates for household glass packaging placed on the market. - Refined Local Authority Costs:
The updated release also incorporates more refined local authority costs using Defra’s Local Authority Packaging Cost and Performance model, which will be used for the final invoicing calculations. This model provides a more accurate reflection of the collection and disposal costs for packaging waste management.
The revisions to the illustrative base fees reflect more accurate calculations and updates to the underlying data. Although these are still estimates, they provide obligated producers with a clearer view of the potential costs they may face in 2025-2026. However, it’s important to note that these figures remain subject to change as further iterations are released and data is refined.
Producers are advised not to base their cost assessments solely on the higher or lower fees, as these are illustrative estimates subject to adjustments.
Next Steps for Producers
Obligated producers must continue to report their packaging data through the Report Packaging Data online portal. For large organisations, data reporting for 2024 must be done in two stages:
- 1 January – 30 June 2024 data: Report by 1 October 2024
- 1 July – 31 December 2024 data: Report by 1 April 2025
The reported data will help inform further updates to the illustrative base fees, ensuring they reflect the most accurate information possible.
