PackUK has appointed UK Packaging PRO as the national Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme.
The bid was led by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) on behalf of their members, with backing from more than 100 retailers, manufacturers, producers, NGOs and waste management organisations.
The pEPR scheme provides funding to local authorities to drive improvements in recycling, with £1.4 billion invested in Year 1 of the scheme. This works to improve packaging waste collection and recycling, while incentivising producers to reduce their material footprint.
UK Packaging PRO is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to help “shape a packaging system” that works better for people, planet and producers by ensuring industry’s insights are reflected in the scheme.
UK Packaging PRO will work with PackUK, governments, local authorities, the waste and recycling sector, and obligated producers of all sizes to:
- Improve recycling rates, by supporting innovation and improvements in how packaging is made, used, collected and recycled
- Ensure fees and incentives align with environmental progress
- Support local authorities with data, insight and practical tools
- Lead industry’s efforts to improve and reduce packaging and support better recycling, across all four nations of the UK
The appointment will commence from 1st April 2026, and responsibilities will be introduced gradually. Core administrative powers, such as final decisions on local authority payments and producer fees, will remain with PackUK.
Karen Graley, who has led the successful application process, will continue as Head of UK Packaging PRO, with the organisation highlighting her “distinguished career” in packaging innovation, working at both Waitrose and M&S, and being a founding director of OPRL.
Sebastian Munden CBE has been appointed chair of the board for UK Packaging PRO, bringing more than 30 years’ global FMCG experience, most recently as chief executive of Unilever UK & Ireland.
Karen Graley, head of UK Packaging PRO, said: “We’re very proud to have been appointed to play such a vital role in the Packaging EPR scheme. UK Packaging PRO was created to give producers a genuine seat at the table. With strong governance in place, a clear mobilisation plan, and broad support from across the sector, we are ready to get to work – in close partnership with PackUK, governments, local authorities and organisations across the value chain to deliver a packaging system that works better for everyone.”
Sebastian Munden CBE, chair of the board for UK Packaging PRO, said: “Many of us in the industry have been working for this moment for many years. Although it has been a long time to get here, this is only the very beginning of industry-led EPR in the UK. A cost-conscious, data-driven, innovation-minded approach will be good for citizens, local authorities and producers, with benefits in standards of living and to the economy. I am looking forward to a genuine partnership between Government and business.”
“EPR is a massive reform and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform food packaging and the UK’s recycling system for the better.”
Karen Betts OBE, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “I’m proud that FDF and INCPEN have played the central role we have in ensuring the UK’s new EPR scheme has the right architecture and the right industry support to ensure it succeeds. EPR is a massive reform and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform food packaging and the UK’s recycling system for the better.
“I’m confident that UK Packaging PRO will be a strong part of the new system from the get-go, led by industry and working collaboratively with other stakeholders, who perform equally vital roles, to deliver better outcomes for the environment, businesses and consumers. It’s taken a great deal of hard work to get this far, and we’re excited now to take UK Packaging PRO to the next stage.”
Jeremy Blake, CEO of Pack UK, said: “I’m delighted to welcome UK Packaging PRO as the new Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO). This announcement follows a rigorous selection process, as PackUK was committed to choosing the best candidate possible to represent the diverse interests of the packaging industry.
“The appointment of the PRO will further enhance the scheme by unlocking the benefits that an industry led organisation can bring. I have full confidence that we have found that in UK Packaging PRO and look forward to working together with the PRO to achieve the shared goals of packaging producers and local authorities alike: higher recycling rates, lower costs and improved efficiency.”
Helen Fenwick, UK Packaging PRO director and senior corporate affairs manager, Unilever UK & Ireland, said: “The appointment of UK Packaging PRO is an important step toward delivering a more effective and efficient packaging system in the UK – one that strengthens producer responsibility, drives real progress on recycling, and supports the transition to a more circular economy. We’re committed to working collaboratively across the system to help make the PRO a success.”
Gareth Callan, UK Packaging Pro board director and PepsiCo UK sustainable packaging lead, said: “I’m delighted that PackUK has appointed UK Packaging PRO to work on delegated responsibilities in EPR. PepsiCo supports well run EPR to help create a world where packaging never becomes waste.”
