Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is yet another tax on F&B brands navigating increased costs in manufacturing, say Harford Control Ltd
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has released the third set of illustrative base fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for 2025 to 2026, covering all packaging materials. For instance, the fee for each tonne of plastic packaging waste is £485, while paper is charged at £215 per tonne.
These new EPR regulations could play a crucial role in addressing the UK’s stagnant recycling rate. They may encourage food and drink manufacturers to become more mindful of the recycling system and adopt more sustainable practices. However, the regulations could also lead to significant costs, with UK food and drink manufacturers projected to commit over £1bn annually to EPR starting next October, according to the Food and Drink Federation.
Whilst the illustrative base fees offer more clarity to help businesses prepare, these figures are still subject to change. The final fees for the first year of EPR will be confirmed after 1 April 2025.
Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Fees
EPR fees are designed to ensure that producers take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their packaging, including its collection, recycling or disposal. EPR fees are typically calculated based on the weight, type and recyclability of the materials used. For example, a food manufacturer using single-use plastic trays would likely face higher fees compared to one utilising recyclable aluminium packaging.
A practical example of EPR fees in action is seen in the dairy industry, where companies are shifting from plastic to glass bottles to lower their fees and environmental impact. By transitioning to fully recyclable materials, these businesses not only reduce costs but also enhance their sustainability credentials in the eyes of the consumer.
Efforts in the UK Food and Drink Sector
The UK food and drink industry, along with other sectors, has increasingly embraced more sustainable practices. Companies like Pernod Ricard are leading the way, developing fully bio-based bottles strong enough to contain spirits, using paper as the primary material for its recyclability. Diageo, in partnership with ecoSPIRITS, is piloting refillable spirits packaging (ecoTOTES) across 18 markets over the next three years. Each refillable container is built to withstand up to 150 uses, potentially eliminating 1,000 single-use bottles over its lifespan. Other major FMCG players—The Coca-Cola Company, Carlsberg Group, Procter & Gamble, and L’Oréal — are also innovating in bio-based and recyclable paper packaging, reinforcing a collective commitment to sustainability.
Despite these commendable efforts, many food and drink manufacturers continue to face significant challenges with high levels of wastage, often stemming from issues related to packaging and labelling as well as paper recording.
Packaging and Labelling: Reducing Waste Through Automation
Packaging and labelling are critical points of waste generation in the food and drink industry. Errors such as misprints or incorrect product information can result in large quantities of products being withdrawn or discarded, leading to substantial financial losses and environmental harm. Additionally, excessive packaging or the use of non-recyclable materials creates avoidable waste and challenges compliance with sustainability targets.
Addressing these issues requires adopting automated systems to enhance accuracy, minimise waste, and reduce environmental impact. Harford Autocoding Solutions ensure the correct label is applied to the right product and packaging. These solutions incorporate production line automation, accurate date coding setup, label verification and in-line barcode scanners, offering a higher validation of packs.
By implementing Harford’s Autocoding Solutions, manufacturers can significantly improve packaging and labelling accuracy whilst eliminating unnecessary wastage, contributing to both cost efficiency and sustainability goals.
Eliminating Paper Recording Waste Through Digital Transformation
The reliance on paper-based record-keeping systems continues to be another source of inefficiency and waste in many food and drink operations. Paper records are prone to errors, duplication and loss, which can disrupt operations and lead to regulatory non-compliance. Additionally, the environmental cost of paper usage, including deforestation and waste generation, cannot be ignored.
Transitioning to digital record-keeping solutions offers a powerful way to streamline processes, minimise human error and support sustainability goals by reducing paper waste.
Harford Paperless Quality Solutions empower manufacturers to embrace digital transformation. With touchscreen terminals that can directly capture results from connected devices—including scales, torque meters, temperature probes, refractometers, titrators, moisture analysers, callipers, height gauges, and O2/CO2 meters—your team can ensure data is always accurate and reliable.
Combined with in-line data capture from scanners, date coders, cameras, sensors and more, our solutions eliminate the need for factory floor paperwork. This not only streamlines compliance but also significantly reduces the time and effort required for reviewing and validating adherence to specifications.
What This Means for Your Factory
The food and drink manufacturing industry is facing increasing costs due to waste. Whether it’s caused by packaging and labelling errors or paper reports generated from manual recording, these inefficiencies can add significant pressure to your bottom line—especially with the introduction of the EPR fee. To stay ahead, each business needs a proactive approach to eliminate waste.
Harford scalable and flexible end-to-end MIS/MES solutions are designed to ensure accurate packaging and labelling whilst driving digital transformation. These solutions enhance operational efficiency, profitability and sustainability. Fully customisable to meet your unique requirements, our systems provide a perfect fit for your factory, empowering you to optimise performance and achieve your business goals.
Speak with one of our specialists to discover how we can support your journey toward improved efficiency and reduced waste. Contact us at info@harfordcontrol.com or call us on +44 (0)1225 764461.
Harford Control website: https://www.harfordcontrol.com/
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