Food and Beverage Business
Packaging

OPRL celebrates new clarity from Defra on labelling for EPR

OPRL celebrates new clarity from Defra on labelling for EPR Defra, EPR, Labelling, OPRL Food and Beverage Business

OPRL is pleased to announce that its ‘Recycle’ label is already compliant with the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging rules, as confirmed by Defra.

During an online Business Readiness Forum on Thursday, 11 April, Defra revealed that labeling requirements for EPR will be enforced starting on 1 April 2027. Linda Crichton, team leader of packaging policy at Defra, affirmed that OPRL’s label meets the criteria for EPR compliance.

Jude Allan, interim MD at OPRL, expressed, “Defra’s announcement provides businesses with the certainty they require. With this deadline established, brands can now commence preparing to label every packaging product placed on the market.”

“We have been diligently ensuring that our labels align with EPR regulations, so Defra’s confirmation on the compliance of the OPRL label offers a head start to brands already enrolled in our labeling scheme. We are also available to guide those just embarking on this journey.”

“Furthermore, in addition to designing packaging with recycling labels, businesses must evaluate recyclability and substantiate their claims. As the institution behind the sole label currently compliant with EPR, OPRL possesses 15 years of expertise in developing tools to evaluate recyclability, and we fully grasp the magnitude of this endeavor. Together, we will address the requirements of EPR and establish a more sustainable packaging supply chain.”

The new regulations mandate that all consumer packaging must display a label featuring recycling instructions for consumers by 1 April 2027. While not all products on the shelves will showcase recycling labels by this date, businesses must demonstrate that processes are in progress. For example, recyclability assessments should have been conducted, and packaging designs should be in progress. This clarification is crucial to prevent unnecessary waste of already packaged products.

Related posts

Avient Launches ColorMatrixâ„¢ Amosorbâ„¢ 4020L: Innovative Oxygen Scavenging Additive for Extended Shelf Life in PET Packaging

FAB Team

Nestlé Claims Immunity to Tariff Impacts

FAB Team

SIG Expands Its Horizons: Inauguration of First Aseptic Carton Plant in India

FAB Team