Short answer
What are the new UK EPR packaging fees and do they affect my takeaway or café?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) makes the businesses that supply packaging pay fees based on how recyclable that packaging is, assessed under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) with green, amber and red ratings. Most takeaways and cafés do not pay EPR fees directly — the cost sits with packaging producers and importers — but fees influence packaging prices and availability, so choosing highly recyclable formats such as paperboard, kraft and bagasse helps keep your costs stable. DORU can advise on recyclable options across its range.
What EPR actually is
Extended Producer Responsibility shifts the cost of dealing with packaging waste from local councils to the businesses that place packaging on the UK market. Producers and importers report the packaging they supply and pay fees towards its collection and recycling.
The regime is now entering a more demanding phase. Fees are being adjusted using the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), which grades packaging green, amber or red. Red-rated packaging attracts the highest fees, so the industry is moving away from hard-to-recycle formats.
Does my food business have to pay?
Most restaurants, cafés, takeaways and market stalls are packaging buyers, not packaging producers. If you purchase ready-made cups, boxes and bags from a UK supplier, the EPR obligation normally sits with that supplier or the manufacturer.
You may have your own obligations if you import packaging directly, place your own-branded packaging on the market at scale, or exceed the turnover and tonnage thresholds in the regulations. If any of those apply, check the official guidance or speak to your accountant.
- Buying stock packaging from a UK supplier: no direct EPR fee for you in most cases.
- Importing packaging yourself: you may take on the producer obligation.
- Large businesses supplying own-branded packaging may need to report and pay.
Why it still affects your packaging bill
Even without a direct obligation, EPR shapes the market you buy from. Producers paying higher fees on red-rated packaging will price that in, and some formats will be redesigned or withdrawn. Flexible plastics and multi-material laminates are under particular pressure.
Choosing packaging with strong recyclability credentials — paperboard boxes, kraft bowls, bagasse clamshells, paper bags — puts you on the right side of that shift. These materials already achieve strong recycling rates in the UK and are less exposed to rising fees.
Practical steps for this year
Ask your supplier which of your regular lines are paper-based, widely recyclable, or due for redesign. Keep a simple record of what you buy, so if your business grows into the reporting thresholds you have the data ready.
If you are planning custom print, factor material choice in now: a recyclable kraft box with a one-colour print is both a strong brand asset and a lower-risk choice under the fee system.
Evidence and sources
Key takeaways
- EPR fees are paid by packaging producers, but they influence the prices and formats available to you.
- RAM rates packaging green, amber or red — red-rated formats will get more expensive.
- Paper, kraft and bagasse packaging is well placed under the new regime.
- Keep records of what you buy and ask suppliers about recyclability before committing to a range.
Author
Lan Olitoquit
Creative and Marketing Professional
Lan is a creative and marketing professional with over seven years of experience. He transforms brand messaging into compelling digital experiences, using data to craft high-converting campaigns. He is currently pursuing an MBA at San Beda College Alabang, bridging what business knows with what business does.
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