The FPA is calling on the newly formed government to collaborate with the industry on effective packaging reform following Defra’s announcement that Emma Hardy MP will oversee the circular economy and waste crime initiatives.
As a representative organisation for 130 manufacturers and distributors, the FPA boasts a substantial economic presence, exceeding £27 billion and employing more than 70,000 individuals.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, the association highlights five key areas where prompt action from the government could foster business certainty, shield consumers from avoidable expenses, and bolster investments in the UK’s manufacturing and recycling sectors.
Ellen Daniels, CEO of FPA, remarked, “The appointment of Emma Hardy to lead circular economy efforts is a positive development. Establishing clear ministerial ownership is crucial, and we anticipate collaborating with her alongside Becky Shrubsole, who has taken on the role of Director of Circular Economy.”
Daniels emphasised the vital function of foodservice packaging across various sectors such as hospitality, catering, retail, healthcare, education, travel, and convenience food markets. This packaging is essential for ensuring food and drink are transported, stored, and served safely, while also preserving product integrity, minimizing waste, and supporting food security.
While the sector is committed to the principle of producer responsibility and is actively investing in recyclable materials, recycled content, and lower-carbon manufacturing techniques, Daniels cautions that reforms—including Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, the Recyclability Assessment Methodology, deposit return schemes, Simpler Recycling initiatives, and requirements linked to the Plastic Packaging Tax—will succeed only if they are practical, proportional, and well-coordinated across government entities. Additionally, evidence-based approaches and adequate infrastructure for collection, sorting, and reprocessing are critical.
“Producers need the assurance that all obligated parties are contributing fairly and that the necessary infrastructure for collection, sorting, and reprocessing will be in place to achieve the environmental goals they are being asked to support,” she added.
Daniels further emphasised the urgency of timely release of the Circular Economy Growth Plan and advocated for enhanced collaboration between Defra, HMRC, and other departments that manage packaging-related environmental policies. She pointed out that although separate departments handle individual initiatives, businesses perceive pEPR, the Plastic Packaging Tax, and related auditing, reporting, and certification processes as a single, comprehensive regulatory framework.
The FPA has outlined five priorities that it urges the new government to consider:
1. Enhance Extended Producer Responsibility to ensure confidence, transparency, fairness, and enforcement.
2. Base environmental policies on solid evidence that acknowledges packaging’s importance in food safety, public health, food security, and food waste reduction.
3. Assure investment viability through clear implementation strategies, consistent guidance, realistic timelines, proportionate compliance expectations, and the required infrastructure for reform execution.
4. Support British manufacturing by promoting domestic investments, fortifying supply chain resilience, and preventing unintended competitive disparities.
5. Engage with industry stakeholders to ensure that packaging and waste reforms are practical, grounded in evidence, and informed by supply chain experiences.
For those interested, the complete open letter can be found on the homepage of the FPA website.
