PPWR affects 93% of UK manufacturers as new EU packaging rules take hold: Sapio Research

UK – A survey of UK businesses has found that 93% have been affected or expect to be affected by the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, with 39% actively redesigning packaging and 32% reviewing formats as the first compliance deadline takes effect.

The research, conducted by Sapio Research on behalf of logistics company Advanced Supply Chain, surveyed businesses across homeware, fashion, consumer electronics and footwear sectors. 

It found that 16% have already formatted packaging to comply with the new rules, which came into general application on 12 August 2026. 

Stuart Greenfield, UK and European Sales Director at Advanced Supply Chain, stated that businesses are standardising packaging formats across UK and EU operations to control costs and simplify logistics while supporting compliance. 

Data Challenges and Supplier Collaboration

Greenfield outlined that the biggest practical challenge for UK businesses now is proving packaging compliance with PPWR, noting that “knowing a pack is recyclable isn’t enough.” Businesses need accurate technical and compliance information on materials, quantities and recyclability, and much of that information sits with suppliers rather than in-house. 

The PPWR requires every packaging type placed on the EU market to be accompanied by a valid Declaration of Conformity and supporting technical documentation, with manufacturers and importers required to retain technical files for five to ten years. 

UK businesses must also comply with EU Extended Producer Responsibility rules when exporting to the EU, which involves registering with national authorities to provide data on packaging type, weight, recyclability and recycled content. 

The UK government has warned that non-compliant products could be rejected at EU borders.

pEPR Adding Further Pressure

The survey also reviewed the impact of the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which introduced fees for businesses regarding their packaging waste and shifted the cost burden from local authorities to producers. 

pEPR has increased repackaging requirements for 70% of businesses, while 37% reported the scheme has led to increased packaging errors. 

From 2026/27, pEPR fees are modulated based on recyclability, with Red-rated packaging attracting a 1.2x fee multiplier rising to 2.0x by 2028/29. 

Over £1.1 billion (US$1.46 billion) will be distributed to councils in England through pEPR fees, which are expected to support 25,000 new jobs and underpin £10 billion (US$13.3 billion) of investment in new sorting and processing facilities over the next decade.

The scheme requires large producers to submit recyclability assessments through the Recyclability Assessment Methodology, with reports due twice yearly to the Environment Agency.

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