Drinks firms have demanded a delay to the controversial forthcoming packaging recovery levy.
More than 80 companies signed a letter to ministers asking for implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules to be put on hold.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) this month published revised “illustrative base fees” for 2025/26 under the scheme, which is designed to make manufacturers pay for the recovery of their packaging.
Councils have claimed the latest fees are too low while producers have demanded further cuts.
Now the Wine and Spirit Trade Association has organised a letter to ministers calling for further clarity.
Chief executive Miles Beale said: “Defra sensibly delayed EPR by one year, however it is clear that the scheme is not ready to roll out and a further delay is required to make sure the costs are realistic and known in advance.
“Wine and spirit businesses are working towards using less packaging and making it more recyclable, but the scheme currently set out is unfair and unfit for purpose.
“A delay would mean industry and Defra could work together to find a fairer, clearer and more sustainable resolution.”
The regulations to introduce EPR were recently laid in Parliament.
A Defra spokesperson said: “Extended producer responsibility for packaging is a vital first step for our packaging reforms, which will create 21,000 jobs and stimulate more than £10 billion investment in the recycling sector over the next decade. We continue to work closely with businesses on these reforms.”
