So… What is EPR?
The UK Government’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is now in force. This is a legal requirement that obligates all businesses — without exception — that import, buy, or use packaging of any kind to collect data, charge fees (based on weight), and make payments to the government.
It’s a bit like VAT, but it’s not a tax — it’s a levy.
These fees are designed to fund the collection and recycling of packaging across the UK via local government, helping to modernise the country’s recycling infrastructure. So while it supports a great cause, it does come at a cost to the end user for now.
In simple terms, companies that place packaging on the UK market that will end up in household recycling bins are legally obliged to pay fees to the government based on the type and weight of packaging materials they use. This includes glass, plastics, wood, metal, and other materials.
If you are classed as a ‘large producer’ (your turnover exceeds £2M and you use more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year), the responsibility sits with you.
If your company has a smaller turnover, or you’re an individual rather than a business, you don’t have to report or pay the fees yourself — but they must be charged higher up the supply chain by the manufacturer or importer. So, regardless of size, the end user ultimately pays more for the glass, caps, plastic, and wooden pallets they receive.
If you are a company of any size buying from Wares, we recommend taking time to understand the finer details.
For detailed information, please read the government’s guidance here:
? UK Government Guidance on EPR for Packaging
What is it applied to?
Under UK packaging regulations, an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) charge applies to all packaging materials supplied with your order.
This is a government-mandated environmental levy designed to ensure that the cost of recycling and waste management for packaging materials is shared fairly by the businesses that place packaging on the UK market.
This includes (but is not limited to):
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Glass containers
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Metal and plastic closures
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Wooden pallets
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Cardboard boxes
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Layer boards used between pallet layers
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Plastic pallet wrap
For bespoke wholesale orders (placed by quotation, purchase order, or direct invoice), the EPR charge will appear as a separate line on your invoice.
For wholesale pallet orders placed directly through our website, the EPR cost is already included in the product price.
The EPR charge can be removed only if you complete the EPR Exemption Declaration section within our Trade Application Form, confirming that one of the following applies:
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Your company’s turnover is over £2 million (you report your own packaging).
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The glass and packaging are used for non-household applications.
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The goods are exported outside the UK.
If we don’t have a valid exemption declaration on file, the EPR charge will be applied automatically.
What EPR Means for Our Industry
The introduction of EPR has brought significant change and complexity to the UK packaging industry. From manufacturers to wholesalers, retailers, and glass suppliers, everyone is affected.
These fees are unavoidable and have been in place throughout 2024 and 2025 — they remain in force today and are here to stay.
Understanding how and when to apply these charges appropriately has been challenging across the entire supply chain. Even now, the government continues to release new guidance, and the actual fee rates are expected to evolve as the system matures.
One thing is certain: EPR is here to stay and will become a permanent part of packaging costs for all UK businesses. All suppliers and competitors alike are equally obligated to comply.
How We at Wares Have Managed This So Far (2025)
Because we value our customers and understand that every business faces its own challenges, we have — until now — made the decision to shield you, as far as possible, from these additional EPR costs.
Over the past year we have lobbied the government, worked closely with industry experts, suppliers, and DEFRA, and monitored developments as the new system has evolved. Our goal has been to understand this complex legislation fully and to act responsibly once clearer guidance emerged.
Where We Are Now (Nov 2025)
From the start of 2026, we will begin applying EPR-related packaging charges at the new modulated rates, which are due to be published next month.
We are hopeful these new rates will reduce the current £192 per tonne charge on glass, helping to limit the impact on both our retail prices and wholesale quotations.
For wholesale customers, we will be re-quoting existing accounts with these new charges added as a separate line on your invoice for clarity and audit purposes.
At the same time, we have updated our Wholesale Terms & Conditions to include EPR-related responsibilities and are introducing a Trade Application and EPR Declaration Form to ensure we hold up-to-date details for all customers.
These documents will help both you and us understand where EPR responsibility lies within the supply chain and will be sent to wholesale customers over the coming days.
When Wares Does Not Need to Charge EPR
There are three scenarios in which Wares will not need to apply EPR charges:
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Your company turns over more than £2M and uses more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year — you are responsible for paying the fees yourself.
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Your packaging will not end up in household recycling — for example, if you are a laboratory, restaurant decanting wine, candle maker, or using the packaging for long-term sample storage.
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You are exporting your products in the packaging purchased from Wares.
We will ask about these exemptions on the Trade Application Form if you are a wholesale customer.
If you are a retail customer, please call us to place your order, and we will adjust your pricing accordingly.
Our Commitment to You
Our aim remains to:
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Keep any EPR-related increases as fair and modest as possible.
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Minimise disruption to our customers.
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Stay transparent and compliant as government guidance evolves.
We truly appreciate your continued support and trust in Wares of Knutsford Ltd.
If you have any questions — or would like us to prepare your updated EPR-inclusive quote in advance to assist with your planning — please don’t hesitate to contact your account manager.
Otherwise, you will be automatically re-quoted as and when you place orders with us in the new year.
