UK Treasury acknowledges pEPR concerns over commercial waste packaging
The UK Treasury has told Parliament it recognises industry concerns over how the extended producer responsibility scheme (pEPR) treats packaging disposed of through commercial waste streams, such as in pubs, according to the Foodservice Packaging Association. Treasury minister James Murray said the government was working with stakeholders after complaints that some hospitality packaging attracts pEPR fees despite already being paid for through commercial waste collection contracts. The issue overlaps with Fever-Tree's legal challenge over the classification of bottles it supplies to pubs, bars and restaurants.
Why this mattersA double-charging fix would cut pEPR costs for packaging supplied into hospitality, reshaping fee liability across foodservice and drinks supply chains.
- Treasury minister James Murray responded to a parliamentary question on regulatory and packaging costs affecting pubs.
- The FPA says some packaging supplied into hospitality is charged pEPR fees despite businesses already paying for commercial waste collection.
- Fever-Tree has a separate legal challenge over the pEPR classification of bottles supplied to pubs, bars and restaurants.
- The FPA has called for a practical, evidence-based resolution to the classification issue.