Defra has confirmed that the mandatory labelling requirement in the extended producer responsibility (EPR) statutory instrument has been removed. This requirement has been delayed and will no longer be included in the first stages of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), due to come into force in January 2025.
Household packaging was to require a recycling label as of 1 April 2027, as notified by Defra in May under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations. Guidance was expected to be available by January 2025 in order to give companies two years to adopt the changes.
However, on 26th September, Defra advised it had removed the labelling provision from the statutory document, whilst emphasising this is a temporary position.
OPRL, the UKs experts in recyclability of packaging reiterated the importance of including labelling on packaging to assist consumers with recycling.
Jude Allan, OPRL’s Interim Managing Director added:
“We do not want to lose momentum when it comes to providing clear advice to householders about how to dispose of their packaging. We know that Defra will be exploring ways to introduce a labelling regime that benefits businesses and consumers alike. OPRL will be liaising with Defra and will continue to inform our members about the latest developments and continue developing our services for our members. We look forward to working with the packaging value chain on labelling for pEPR as future arrangements are clarified.”
For further information: https://oprl.org.uk/blog/important-defra-update-on-mandatory-recycling-labelling/