Iconic retailer John Lewis Partnership (JLP) put aside £29 million for extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees in the six months to July this year, it has revealed.
The High Street giant said it accounted for the annual cost of the new packaging tax in its half-year financial results.
JLP, which includes department-store chain John Lewis and upmarket grocer Waitrose, today reported an £88 million pre-tax loss in the six months to 26 July 2025. This compared with a £30m deficit a year earlier.
The firm said its results were “significantly impacted” by new costs including EPR.
Under the levy, packaging producers are responsible for funding the management of this material after it has been used.
Companies in scope of EPR don’t have to pay the tax until October, but had to register by 1 April.
The government in June published the final base fees for the scheme, with paper and card charged at £196 per tonne, glass at £192 and plastic at £423.
Ministers in July pledged to ensure more than £1bn was spent improving recycling of household waste over the next year.
