Simple EPR
3 Jan 2024
As 2023 comes to a close businesses must determine whether they are small producers, large producers, or non obligated.
As we step into 2024, UK companies are gearing up for a pivotal shift in their responsibilities regarding packaging waste. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations mandate organizations to carefully evaluate and report the amount of packaging they handle. For those affected by EPR, particularly those teetering near the 25 or 50-tonne threshold, a deeper understanding of their packaging practices becomes crucial.
Calculating Packaging Weight
To illustrate the types of companies which will be impacted by these regulations, let's delve into a practical example. Imagine a company using pallets to transport their goods, each weighing around 15-18 kilograms. Now, visualize a standard full lorry which can carry around 26 of these pallets, for simplicity, we’ll estimate the total pallet weight for a lorry load of goods at approximately 0.4 to 0.5 tonnes.
Understanding Threshold Proximity:
For a business handling the equivalent of a lorryload of goods weekly, this example brings the calculation to a total packaging weight of between 21 and 26 tonnes handled annually. While this is an approximation, it signals the importance for companies to assess their packaging practices, especially if they are on the cusp of the 25-tonne threshold.
It's essential to recognize that each of these pallets are likely to also contain additional packaging which will vary widely depending on the products that they hold. Some goods with minimal packaging may only have outer boxes and some additional stretch wrap or banding, while more packaging intensive products such as groceries packed into individual packaging units will carry a much higher weight, especially for things like glass bottles.
Who is obligated?
When it comes to determining whether your business is obligated to report the packaging associated with pallets under the EPR regulations, consider the nature of your activities, whether you are packing goods onto the pallets, importing the pallets, or sending them to a customer who subsequently removes them, as each will have ramifications for how you need to report them if at all.
By evaluating the specific activities involving pallets within your business operations, you can make informed decisions about your reporting obligations. Should uncertainties persist, seeking guidance from EPR experts, such as Simple EPR, can ensure accurate compliance tailored to your unique business activities.
Simplifying Compliance
In the evolving landscape of 2024, where the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations cast a spotlight on packaging management, companies face the imperative to navigate these changes with precision. As illustrated through our practical example, the importance of understanding packaging weights and proximity to the 25 or 50-tonne thresholds cannot be overstated.
In light of these challenges, businesses can turn to industry experts for guidance. Simple EPR can handle the calculations on behalf of businesses, providing accurate assessments of their packaging impact. This relieves companies from the administrative burden of gathering data and tracking compliance deadlines, allowing them to focus on their core operations.
For businesses who wish to keep their calculations in house we can assist in implementing effective practices to reliably measure your own packaging use. From establishing streamlined data collection processes to offering tailored methodologies for your packaging calculation, Simple EPR empowers companies to proactively manage their environmental responsibilities.
As we collectively embrace a future where responsible packaging practices are not just a compliance necessity but a strategic imperative, Simple EPR stands as a valuable ally. By simplifying the intricacies of EPR compliance, we pave the way for businesses to thrive in an eco-conscious era, contributing to a sustainable and greener future.