LARAC is extremely disappointed following the announcement from DEFRA on 24 September that mandatory labelling on packaging will no longer be required from 2027 as part of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation and stresses the negative impact this decision will have on local authority collections of packaging waste from residents.
One of the biggest challenges local authorities face in improving recycling is helping citizens understand which packaging can and cannot be recycled. Without clear labelling, the general public are less likely to dispose of packaging correctly, decreasing the volume and quality of recyclate, and this policy change will make it harder to drive positive recycling behaviour across the UK. This is compounded further in England and Northern Ireland where local authorities lack sufficient enforcement powers to drive positive behaviour changes in waste disposal.
The confusion caused by non-mandatory labelling, with no agreed standard in place, will only exacerbate the problem. This will be compounded by packaging not only lacking labelling, but those that are labelled, to different standards or definitions. This inconsistency will confuse residents and hinder local authorities’ ability to operate to the highest possible standards. It will also make it more difficult for them to meet the yet-to-be-determined and clarified “Efficient and Effective” requirements placed on them under the EPR legislation.
Cathy Cook, LARAC Chair, said:
“Mandatory and consistent labelling is essential for the success of the Collection and Packaging Reforms (CPR), and whilst this decision has been labelled as “temporary”, LARAC strongly encourages DEFRA to set a definitive timescale for its introduction and provide guidance of best practice for the interim period. LARAC would also like to see confirmation that labelling requirements will be consistent across the four UK nations.”
Cathy concluded:
“It is positive, however, to hear from DEFRA that the introduction of EPR legislation from January 2025 is on track to come into force as planned.”
Ends
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, Executive Director LARAC admin@larac.org.uk.
Twitter: @LARACspeaks
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