Unpacking EPR

David Llewellyn, Chief Executive, The Vending & Automated Retail Association (AVA) explains the areas where the new Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) for packaging could impact the facilities management sector

Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) for packaging was launched in a phased approach starting in 2023, with new legislation set to take effect at the beginning of 2025. Any business that handles, uses, imports, or produces packaging is likely to be affected by the EPR legislation, because it makes organisations considerably more responsible for the recovery and recycling costs of their packaging.

The new proposed EPR law is transforming how packaging waste is managed, pushing the responsibility up the supply chain to those who introduce it into a country’s market. It affects how companies handle its packaging materials including recycling.

For facilities managers in the UK, adapting to this shift is crucial following the release by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of initial (indicative) packaging base fees beginning in 2025. It is estimated that revenue from the fees will generate over £1 billion each year to support local collection and disposal services, including recycling services, to benefit UK households.

While fees have been deferred until next year, firms need to report data from 2023 and 2024. This data will serve as the foundation for calculating payments to local authorities, which will cover packaging waste management from April 2025 to March 2026. The new costs aim to transfer a greater share of waste management expenses onto producers, providing them with a financial incentive to reduce the amount of packaging waste.

HOW DOES EPR IMPACT FACILITIES MANAGERS?

Providers of products in vending machines, micro-markets, and smart fridges are increasingly interested in data from facilities managers regarding waste management. They want to know where the waste from their products ends up, including information such as the percentage of waste being recycled and the frequency of recycling.

Facilities managers can extract this data from customer purchasing information and their existing waste and collection contractor, allowing them to determine how much of the packaging being purchased is recyclable. Additionally, they can track the weight of recycled materials collected from the waste generated by the packaging.

While these processes may seem laborious, they are indeed essential. As reporting guidelines become more stringent, contracts with suppliers will start to include these metrics as standard. Facilities managers need to be informed on these changes and begin implementing the necessary agreements with building managers to support waste protocols.

WHAT FACILITIES MANAGERS CAN DO

EPR regulations require businesses to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their packaging. Here are four practical steps facilities managers can take to help their companies comply with EPR rules:

• Familiarise yourself with the EPR regulations, which apply to all UK organisations that import or supply packaging. Stay up-to-date with new laws being introduced, from DEFRA, on the implementation of EPR and when organisations need to be ready for the changes by.
• Establish and maintain an effective recycling process at your managed workplace. If one doesn’t exist, create one; if it does, ensure it’s functioning as intended. If people aren’t using recycling bins properly, conduct a survey to understand why and address any issues.
• Communicate effectively with building occupants about the importance of recycling. While they don’t need to know the technical details of EPR, they should be aware that recycling is more crucial than ever. Create informative posters detailing any upcoming changes to rubbish collection and ensure all relevant teams are informed. Additionally, send email updates to all occupants regarding these changes; clear and simple communication on these steps is the surefire way to ensure the message is received by all.
• Work with your existing waste and collection contractor to ensure all bins are clearly labelled, going beyond simple colour coding like green and black. As new processes may require more specific separation of materials than before, provide clear and visible signage for all bins. This will help users to be confident in recycling the right materials in the correct bins. Ensure these bins are available across your building and are regularly checked and emptied. Simply having one set of separatable bins on the ground floor will not serve those working on the fourth.

By taking these steps, facilities managers can ensure their organisations comply with EPR regulations and manage the associated costs effectively without creating disruption or confusion to occupants.

As fees increase for the use of packaging and the handling of waste discarded by consumers, FMs need to strategise effectively to accommodate these financial and environmental responsibilities. Adaptation and forward-thinking planning will be crucial to navigating this new landscape effectively.