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🏛️ What the UK’s New EPR Regulation Means for Food Businesses – And How to Prepare

EPR

 

From October 2025, the UK packaging landscape is undergoing its biggest shake-up in decades. A new, mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme will officially take effect—fundamentally changing who pays for recycling and waste disposal.

This reform doesn’t just affect manufacturers and big brands. Cafés, takeaways, food retailers, and catering services will all feel the impact. At Envior, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and stay ahead with sustainable packaging that meets the new requirements.

 

 

♻️ What is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility shifts the financial responsibility for recycling from local councils to packaging producers and users. Under the new rules, businesses that place packaging on the UK market will be required to:

  • Pay fees based on the volume, type, and recyclability of their packaging.

  • Report packaging data with greater accuracy and detail than ever before.

  • Use more sustainable, clearly labelled materials to avoid penalties and rising costs.

This aims to reduce landfill, boost recycling infrastructure, and hold businesses more accountable for the full lifecycle of their packaging.

 

 

📉 What This Means for You

If you run a foodservice business, chances are you already rely on a wide range of packaging—from takeaway containers and cups to delivery boxes and bags.  With EPR:

  • You will see the cost of packaging increase over the coming months as suppliers consume these new costs.

  • Recyclable and compostable packaging will increase less in price than non-recyclable materials, so now is the time to switch to Envior's eco-friendly packaging.

  • If you turnover more than £1 million annually, chances are you will already be preparing for the new ERP scheme. Any food business approaching this threshold will need ready full guidance on the government website here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-who-is-affected-and-what-to-do 

 

 

 

🌿 How Envior Helps You Get Ready

At Envior, our mission has always been to make sustainable food packaging simple and accessible. As EPR rolls in, here’s how we can help:

✅ 1. Compostable & Recyclable Options

Our entire product range—from Bagasse boxes to kraft food bowls—is designed with recyclability or compostability in mind, helping you reduce your modulated fees.

✅ 2. Plastic-Free Innovation

We champion materials like sugarcane fibre and biodegradable films to move you away from single-use plastic and towards future-proof packaging.

✅ 3. Expertise You Can Trust

Need advice on what qualifies as recyclable? We’re ready to support you with guidance, audits, and product selection tailored to EPR criteria.

 

 

📝 What Should You Do Next?

  1. Audit your packaging – What are you using? Is it recyclable or compostable?

  2. Talk to your suppliers – Ask whether your current packaging will meet EPR standards.

  3. Start transitioning now – October 2025 is fast approaching. Early adoption means smoother compliance and potential savings.

 

📦 Future-Proof Your Business

The EPR scheme is a step in the right direction for the planet—but it can feel overwhelming. At Envior, we’re ready to support you with sustainable packaging that works for your business and the environment.

If you’re looking to make the switch, or just want to understand more about how EPR will affect your business, get in touch with our team today.

📩 Email us at: sales@envior.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.envior.co.uk

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