Packaging Legislation: What You Need to Know

Understanding packaging legislation is crucial for businesses involved with packaging materials. In 2024, there are four key pieces of legislation in the UK that you need to be aware of: Packaging Waste Regulations, Extended Producer Responsibilities, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Packaging Waste Regulations
If your business produces, uses, or sells packaging, you may be considered an “obligated packaging producer.” This applies if you’ve handled 50 tonnes of packaging materials or more in the previous calendar year and have an annual turnover exceeding £2 million. Obligated packaging producers must:

• Reduce packaging production.
• Minimise packaging waste going to landfill.
• Increase the recycling of packaging waste.

Packaging includes any material used to hold, protect, handle, deliver, and present goods, such as pallets, boxes, bags, and tape. Obligated producers must:

• Register annually by 7th April.
• Meet recycling obligations.
• Obtain evidence of compliance.
• Submit a certificate of compliance by 31st January of the following year.

Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR)
The EPR regulations require businesses to take more responsibility for their packaging waste. If you’re a packaging producer, you’re responsible for the entire cost of recycling the packaging you place on the market, including collection, treatment, and recycling. This applies if:

• You have an annual turnover of £1 million or more.
• You were responsible for more than 25 tonnes of packaging in 2022.
• You carry out any defined packaging activities.

Depending on whether you’re a small or large organisation, you may need to:

• Record data about your packaging.
• Create an account for your organisation.
• Pay waste management fees and other charges.
• Obtain PRNs (Packaging Waste Recycling Notes) or PERNs (Packaging Waste Export Recycling Notes).

UK Plastic Packaging Tax
The Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging components manufactured or imported into the UK containing less than 30% recycled plastic. The tax rates are:

• £200 per tonne from 1st April 2022.
• £210.82 per tonne from 1st April 2023.
• £217.85 per tonne from 1st April 2024.

EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
The CSRD requires more detailed reporting on a business’s impact on the environment, human rights, and social standards. This applies to a broader set of large companies and listed SMEs, including those generating over €150 million in the EU market. The directive, effective from 5th January 2023, requires companies to:

• Apply the new rules from the 2024 financial year.
• Report based on common criteria aligned with the EU’s climate goals.

How Our Packaging Website Fits In

At Magellan, we are dedicated to helping businesses navigate these complex regulations with ease. Our packaging solutions are designed to comply with the latest legal requirements, ensuring that your business stays ahead of the curve.

Why Choose Us?

• Compliance Ready: Our packaging solutions meet the latest regulatory standards, helping you stay compliant with minimal effort.
• Cost-Effective: We offer competitive pricing and innovative designs to help you manage costs related to new taxes and regulations.
• Sustainable Solutions: We prioritise environmentally friendly materials and processes to help you meet sustainability goals.
• Expert Support: Our team provides expert advice and support to help you understand and comply with all relevant legislation.

By choosing Magellan, you can focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of packaging compliance. Let us help you stay compliant and competitive in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.