EPR rollout on the rocks: Ecoveritas calls for clarity amid implementation uncertainty

03 Jul 2023 --- Environmental compliance data specialist Ecoveritas is urging the UK government to “stay the course” regarding the protracted extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy reforms. 

The company claims there is a “distinct lack of confidence” that the plan can move out of the current stall it appears to be in. Recently, the British Retail Consortium called for an extension on EPR implementation, asserting that current plans are unambitious and would result in wasted money and a rise in costs for consumers and businesses. 

Shortly after, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reportedly began discussing potential delays to the scheme. Fears over the cost of living crisis in the UK, and with a general election coming up next year, mean a risk of early implementation could seriously impact the country. 

But Ecoveritas’ chief strategy officer Andrew McCaffery says, “EPR should be a shining beacon,” and insists the industry is “caught in a downward spiral of negativity and you get that sense of déjà vu regarding proposed positive recycling and waste policy changes stalling.” 

“More recently, EPR’s rollout has been plagued by lobbying from producer associations calling for an urgent reconsideration,” he asserts.

“Admittedly, there is very little new information about the future, which is hugely frustrating for those who have worked hard. Still, concerns around cost-of-living and inflation targets were highlighted from the start.” 

Away from the status quo 
EPR is due to be rolled out in 2024, with producers having been required to gather data on packaging ready for payments since January this year, with fees payable to the environmental regulator Defra from 2024. 

Defra assures its commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders while finalizing the EPR scheme’s design and delivery plans. 

However, the current impasse is caused by a “swirling fog of unanswered questions,” according to Ecoveritas. These include consistency of collections still not published, EPR fees still not available, a scheme administrator still yet to be appointed and rising doubts over timescales.

“If the policy is good for the planet and the environment, we need the willpower to implement it, even when it is not universally popular. We must move away from the status quo and this inherent predisposition toward pessimism,” says McCaffery. 

“We’re completely misjudging the power of the consumer in all of this. When you contrast the industry’s position with the urgency of the climate crisis, these are damaging actions.” 

“If EPR is to be delayed, let’s be honest and transparent about it with businesses who have put time, energy and resources into initiatives, all of which have a cost. Right now, we need something we have sorely missed from the very start: Certainty and stability.” 

Current advancements 
Despite the lack of clarity surrounding EPR legislation, timescales and costs, the implementation of mandatory data reporting this year is one positive development that the industry can be assured of, according to McCaffery.

“The good news is that the data reporting legislation has become law, so at least the governments can begin to more accurately assess the amount of packaging placed onto the market in 2023 before introducing new fees.”

“Businesses have already put time, energy and resources into preparing. We urge the government to decide quickly and not leave the industry wondering. And if they change tack, they need to make sure it’s realistic and give producers all the information they need – and resist continuously changing it.” 

By Louis Gore-Langton