EPR 2025: How New UK Packaging Laws Will Impact Your Takeaway Business (And What You Can Do About It)

If you run a takeaway business in the UK, you've likely heard whispers about "EPR" and new packaging regulations. But what exactly does Extended Producer Responsibility mean for your business, and more importantly, what do you need to do about it? In this blog post, we’ll show you exactly how to stay compliant whilst protecting your profits.

What Is EPR and Why Should You Care?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a newly introduced key legislation that will transfer the entire cost of handling household packaging waste from taxpayers to the businesses that introduce it into the UK market. In simple terms, if you're using packaging for your takeaway food, you're now responsible for paying towards the cost of managing that packaging waste after your customers throw it away.

This isn't just another government tick-box exercise – it's a fundamental shift in how packaging costs are calculated in the UK. Some analysts suggest UK households could see an increase of up to £70 per year in their shopping bills based on the latest retail-industry estimate, and businesses like yours will feel the impact directly through new fees and compliance requirements.

Who Needs to Comply?

You need to pay attention to EPR if your business:

• Supplies branded packaged goods to the UK market

• Imports packaging or packaged products into the UK

• Handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year OR has a turnover exceeding £2 million

For most takeaway businesses, you'll likely fall under EPR if you:

• Use branded packaging (with your restaurant name or logo)

• Import packaging materials from overseas

• Are part of a larger chain or franchise

• Handle significant volumes of packaging materials

Even if you're a smaller independent takeaway restaurant, it's worth checking whether you meet the thresholds, as the rules can be complex. 

The new small-producer threshold:

Takeaway businesses with annual turnover above £1 million and more than 25 tonnes of packaging must still report data, even though only those above £2 million / 50 tonnes pay the full fees.

The Financial Impact: What Will EPR Cost Your Business?

The government has published illustrative base fees for 2025, and the costs vary dramatically depending on your packaging choices. The latest version of illustrative base fees for year 1 of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging shows that different materials attract different charges. 

For example: For 2025, PackUK’s base fees are £423 per tonne for plastic versus £196 per tonne for paper and cardboard.

Higher-Cost Materials:

• Non-recycled plastics face the highest fees

• Complex multi-material packaging (like certain laminated containers) attract premium charges

• Hard-to-recycle materials cost significantly more

Lower-Cost Materials:

• Recyclable cardboard and paper packaging have lower fees

• Compostable materials may qualify for reduced charges

• Biodegradable packaging options often have favourable fee structures

Defra also highlights that these fees are provisional. The exact rates for 2025/26 will not be finalised until next year. However, early estimates suggest that switching to sustainable packaging could save businesses hundreds or even thousands of pounds annually in EPR fees.

Beyond Compliance: The Hidden Costs of Ignoring EPR

EPR isn't just about paying fees – it's about future-proofing your business. Fees payable for packaging placed on the market in 2025 (i.e. fees invoiced in 2026) will be modulated to take into account the recyclability of packaging covered. This means the government is actively incentivising businesses to switch to more sustainable packaging options.

Businesses that don't adapt risk:

• Escalating fees as regulations tighten

• Competitive disadvantage against eco-conscious competitors

• Potential customer loss to more sustainable alternatives

• Administrative burden of complex compliance requirements

How Albiz Packaging Can Help You Navigate EPR Successfully

At Albiz Packaging, we've been helping UK takeaway businesses prepare for EPR since the regulations were first announced. Our approach is simple: help you comply with the law whilst actually saving money on your packaging costs.

Our Sustainable Product Range: We offer three main categories of EPR-friendly packaging

Recyclable Packaging: Our recyclable range includes cardboard takeaway boxes, paper bags, and recyclable plastic containers that are designed to fit seamlessly into existing UK waste collection systems. These products not only help you comply with EPR but often cost less in fees than traditional packaging options. Shop online: https://albizpackaging.co.uk/collections/recyclable-food-packaging 

Compostable Packaging: Our compostable range breaks down naturally in commercial composting facilities, potentially qualifying for reduced EPR fees. From compostable food containers to biodegradable cutlery, these products show your customers you care about environmental impact whilst protecting your bottom line. Shop online: https://albizpackaging.co.uk/collections/compostable-food-packaging 

Biodegradable Packaging: Our biodegradable options go beyond basic compliance, offering packaging that naturally decomposes without leaving harmful residues. These products often qualify for the most favourable EPR fee structures whilst enhancing your brand's reputation. Shop online: https://albizpackaging.co.uk/collections/biodegradable-food-packaging 

The Albiz Advantage: Economical and Sustainable

We understand that switching packaging isn't just about compliance - it's about maintaining profitability. That's why we:

• Work directly with our customers to keep sustainable packaging affordable

• Offer bulk discounts to help you manage costs effectively

• Provide clear guidance on which products qualify for lower EPR fees

Our team can analyse your current packaging usage and recommend alternatives that not only comply with EPR but could actually reduce your total packaging costs when EPR fees are factored in. Once you've made the switch, we'll continue to support you with ongoing advice about regulatory changes and new product developments that could further reduce your costs.

Get in touch with us today!

The Bottom Line: EPR as a Business Opportunity

EPR might seem like another regulatory burden, but smart takeaway owners are already seeing it as an opportunity. By switching to sustainable packaging now, you can:

• Reduce your EPR fees compared to traditional packaging

• Attract environmentally conscious customers who increasingly choose businesses based on sustainability credentials

• Future-proof your business against tightening regulations

• Potentially reduce overall packaging costs when EPR fees are included in calculations

The businesses that act now will have a significant advantage over those that wait. EPR fees are only going to increase, and the cost of compliance will get higher as deadlines approach.

Ready to Turn EPR Compliance into Competitive Advantage?

The new packaging regulations are here to stay, but with the right partner, they don't have to hurt your business. 

At Albiz Packaging, we're here to help you navigate these new regulations whilst actually improving your bottom line. Our sustainable packaging solutions are designed specifically for the UK takeaway market, and our team understands both the regulatory requirements and the practical needs of busy food service businesses.

Remember: EPR isn't just about following the law - it's about building a sustainable, profitable business that your customers will love and that will thrive in the changing regulatory landscape. 

Let’s chat! www.albizpackaging.co.uk