The BPIF cuts through the confusion of environmental regulations

Packaging Solutions

The regulatory landscape and requirements for print and packaging companies continue to increase with a raft of new regulations that all companies in the UK should be aware of. Even though these regulations can cause confusion throughout the industry, awareness of impact and obligations are key to ensure your company is compliant and not at risk.

The BPIF is working to lobby, interpret legislation, and provide support, insight and guidance to members and the industry.

PPT (Plastic Packaging Tax)

PPT commenced in April 2022. Now coming up to two years later there is immense need for companies to ensure that they are being compliant and are not opening themselves up to tax implications.

If you are obligated due to the volume of qualifying products that you manufacture, you should by now have registered and be paying any tax due.

If you simply use plastic packaging products within your business, you should be auditing your supply chain to avoid any risks due to the ‘joint and several liability’ clause.

For any specific PPT queries please e-mail ppthelp@bpif.org.uk.

EUDR (European Union Deforestation Regulations)

Any UK or EU based companies placing any of a large range of fibre (paper and board) printed products onto the EU market need to be aware of their obligations under EUDR from 30 December 2024.

The BPIF has been working on your behalf to interpret the new European regulation – EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

It has been working in collaboration with Intergraf and the BPIF Environmental Forum to ensure members and the industry are well equipped to navigate the EUDR landscape. If your business involves placing a variety of fibre based printed products on the EU market, this is a game changer for you.

The BPIF is holding webinars throughout 2024 to explain the requirements of EUDR and has released a guidance document for members.

For EUDR specific queries, e-mail BPIF’s helpline at eudrhelp@bpif.org.uk.

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) requires companies who turnover more than £1 million and place more than 25 tonnes of packaging on the market per annum to record their data.

EPR is a complex regulation that brings in producer categories, packaging categories and reporting broken down by nation.

Companies who turnover more than £2 million and place more than 50 tonnes of packaging on the market should be registered and reporting their data ahead of charges being introduced in 2025.

The BPIF launched a further guidance document for all members on the 7 February.

Further information is available via the EPR helpdesk line of eprhelp@bpif.org.uk.

Important note: if your turnover is in excess of £2 million and you currently handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually you may have an obligation under the current Packaging Waste Regulations. This means that you would have to buy PRN’s (Packaging Recovery Notes) to offset your obligation under the current regulations.

These Packaging Waste Regulations remain in effect and may overlap with Extended Producer Responsibility so obligated companies must ensure that they are aware of their situation and act accordingly.

It does appear that the Environment Agency will pursue and fine companies who fail to register correctly. Again, please contact the BPIF for support.

Further information and support are available within BPIF’s Environmental Road Map.