PackUK delivers critical EPR updates at London Packaging Week 2026

Packaging Solutions

PackUK, the official scheme administrator for the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (p

EPR) programme, is to deliver critical updates for everyone in the packaging supply chain in two separate sessions during London Packaging Week 2026.

On both days of London Packaging Week 2026, the latest pEPR updates will be addressed by PackUK and UK Packaging PRO, the recently appointed official Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). These sessions will focus on the scheme’s progress so far, the future roadmap, and what this means for the packaging industry over the next 12 to 18 months and beyond.

The targeted PackUK EPR sessions are:

Next steps for industry in the evolution of EPREsther Carter, chief strategy officer at PackUKWednesday 16 September, 11.45 to 12.10, FMCG stage

The industry voices leading the future of EPRJane Martin, head of comms and engagement at PackUK; and Karen Graley, COO of UK Packaging PROThursday 17 September, 11:50-12:30, FMCG stage

Casey McHugh, senior conference and community manager, Easyfairs UK Packaging Portfolio, said: ‘Ever since PackUK’s launch, these sessions have been in high demand as the industry seeks answers to some of its most pressing questions.

‘This will be seen again during London Packaging Week 2026, as regulations tighten and the packaging industry adapts to a new operational landscape, which is being defined by the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), pEPR, rate changes to the Plastic Packaging Tax, and the impending Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch.

‘This makes education and up to date information essential for anyone navigating this environment.’

This includes the pEPR scheme’s second year priorities, governance and finances, with PackUK forecasting recovery of approximately £1.56 billion in producer fees for 2026 to 2027. From the scheme's second year, flat per tonne base fees give way to fees adjusted under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) and a ‘red-amber-green’ (RAG) rating system that makes packaging design choices financially material.

To support the scheme, UK Packaging PRO was named as the industry led PRO earlier in 2026, becoming the operational interface between producers and PackUK for data submission, fee calculation and compliance support. 

Kerry Easter is the newly named UK Packaging PRO chief executive officer, with Karen Graley transitioning into the COO role.

Casey continued, ‘Developments in the packaging industry are happening at a fast pace, which makes the educational sessions PackUK and UK Packaging Pro will share at London Packaging Week must attend events for anyone in the packaging supply chain.’

These sessions complement an extensive conference programme at London Packaging Week, with more than 90 speakers taking to the event’s three stages across 16 and 17 September at Excel.

Registration is free for industry professionals and includes access to the two day exhibition, detailed conference programme, extensive networking opportunities, and feature areas.