Overview

• Heavier materials such as glass face the steepest fees because charges are set by packaging weight, drawing complaints from domestic glassmakers.
• Retailers intend to pass over 80% of EPR costs to consumers, and 85% of bosses say compliance paperwork has increased their burden significantly, according to the BRC.
• Illustrative price impacts include about 9p added to a standard bottle of wine, 4p to a 330ml beer, and 11p to a bottle of spirits.
• Industry groups label the policy an economic and environmental own goal, warning of risks to UK jobs and possible relocation of production, with Encirc highlighting investments in low‑carbon glass at stake.
• The BRC urges legal ringfencing of revenues for recycling improvements, while the Local Government Association rejects ringfencing and argues councils need flexibility in how funds are used.