Four in 10 packaging producers polled by the glass industry are considering switching away from the material as extended producer responsibility kicks in.
A survey with 74 respondents, mainly brands but also manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, found that 43 per cent were looking at plastic and other options for containing products.
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging came into force this year, requiring in-scope businesses to pay for the management of certain waste they place on the market.
Glass companies have called for a greater reduction in the levy per tonne of their material under the scheme, arguing that its higher weight should be taken further into account.
Nick Kirk, technical director of British Glass, said this week: “Packaging is bought in units not weight, and – despite modulation, which aims to reward recyclability, starting in 2026 – heavier materials like glass will continue to be unfairly penalised compared to lighter, less and non-recyclable packaging materials.
“As UK glass packaging will bear around a third of the total EPR costs, businesses are actively rethinking their packaging choices.”
Labour MP Sarah Champion told a parliamentary debate last week that EPR appeared to be “deliberately stacked against the [glass] sector”.
But circular economy minister Mary Creagh said at the debate: “The fees for glass are lower than those for aluminium and plastic. Because glass packaging is heavier, it costs more to handle per unit than some other materials. The scheme relies on all producers paying their fair share.”
