England’s circular economy strategy to clarify pEPR integration

ENGLAND – A forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy for England, expected later in 2025, aims to provide critical guidance on integrating the extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) with other waste reforms. 

According to Dan Cooke, policy director at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, the strategy will offer essential details to support organizations navigating complex recycling service transformations. 

Developed by a cross-sector taskforce, it will address barriers to circular resource management.

The strategy’s significance was a key topic at a recent round table event in London on September 8, hosted with Norse Group. 

Local authorities and service providers discussed pEPR’s initial impacts on funding and operations.

Starting in 2025, pEPR requires companies placing packaging on the UK market to fund recycling services through a shared pool, with councils in England set to receive US$1.4 billion in the first year to enhance recycling capabilities. 

However, panelists emphasized the need for clearer guidance on utilizing these funds effectively.

Ian Upstone, waste resource manager at Cherwell District Council, expressed concern that councils might face criticism for fund allocation without sufficient direction. 

“All these policies are interlinked, with pEPR being the bigger one the government might hold over us, saying, ‘you’ve got this money, now make these changes,’” he said. 

Additional pressures include the Emissions Trading Scheme expansion in 2028 and simpler recycling reforms for households by 2026.

Charlotte Paine, head of operations at Braintree District Council, highlighted challenges in understanding how pEPR funding fits into service planning. 

She noted a missed opportunity in not mandating recyclability labeling, which could have driven better resident recycling behavior. 

Natasha Epstein, director at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, added that contamination issues stem from doorstep behaviors, not council processes.

In January 2025, PackUK was launched as the scheme administrator to set fees and manage payments to local authorities.

A July 2025 update confirmed US$1.4 billion in funding for England’s councils, reinforcing the strategy’s role in clarifying how these funds integrate with reforms like the deposit return scheme for drinks containers, set for October 2027. 

Cathy Cook from the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee stressed the need for clearer government direction to ensure funds support local needs effectively, noting that pEPR’s full impact may take years to materialize.

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