British Glass is calling for immediate government intervention after MPs raised concerns that the UK’s packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) system could undermine domestic glass manufacturing. The trade body argues that the current weight-based charging model is creating unintended market pressure by making infinitely recyclable glass more expensive compared with alternative packaging materials.

The concerns were raised during a parliamentary debate secured by Sarah Champion MP following engagement with British Glass, manufacturers, trade unions and supply chain organisations. MPs from multiple political parties questioned whether the current structure of pEPR is aligned with the UK’s environmental and industrial growth objectives.

Industry representatives argue that a packaging policy designed to encourage sustainability should not financially disadvantage one of the most recyclable packaging materials.

At the centre of the debate is the way pEPR fees are calculated. Under the current approach, producers pay charges linked to the weight and recyclability performance of packaging materials. British Glass claims this creates a disadvantage for glass because its higher weight compared with plastics results in higher costs, despite glass being capable of being recycled repeatedly without losing quality.

Sarah Champion MP criticised the policy during the debate, arguing that government rules should not make plastic packaging a cheaper option than glass when the stated objective is to encourage environmentally responsible choices. She described the current system as poorly designed and warned of potential consequences for businesses, growth and manufacturing jobs.

British Glass said MPs highlighted several risks associated with the current approach, including delayed investment decisions, increased pressure on energy-intensive manufacturers, challenges for hospitality businesses and the possibility of more imported packaging entering the UK market.

• Glass manufacturers warn of higher costs under current pEPR calculations.
• Domestic investment could be delayed due to market uncertainty.
• Imported packaging may become more competitive compared with UK-produced glass.
• Hospitality businesses face additional concerns over waste management costs.
• Jobs and industrial capacity are considered at risk by the sector.

The glass industry has warned that the current system could create a negative cycle. According to British Glass, higher fees may encourage companies to switch away from glass packaging, reducing domestic demand. Lower demand could then affect manufacturing volumes, investment decisions and the long-term viability of UK glass production.

Dr Nick Kirk, federation director at British Glass, said the parliamentary debate demonstrated growing recognition that the current pEPR model is affecting manufacturing competitiveness. He argued that a system intended to support environmental progress should not result in businesses moving towards less circular packaging options because of cost pressures.

The trade body is requesting a targeted and temporary reduction of 75% in glass pEPR fees while a wider review of the scheme takes place. It believes this measure would provide short-term stability, prevent further material switching and give policymakers time to assess how the system affects both sustainability goals and industrial competitiveness.

Responding for the government, nature minister Mary Creagh highlighted future consultations, reviews and the possibility of adjustments to fees. However, British Glass said the response did not provide the immediate action requested by manufacturers facing current financial pressures.

The debate also raised concerns about the relationship between packaging policy and wider industrial strategy. Glass production is energy intensive and requires significant investment in furnaces, technology and skilled labour. Industry representatives argue that maintaining domestic capability is important not only for packaging supply but also for economic resilience.

British Glass welcomed confirmation that Trade Remedies Authority investigations into Turkish and Chinese glass imports remain ongoing. However, it is seeking clearer timelines on potential trade protection measures, including reviews of UK tariff arrangements and options to prevent further displacement of locally produced glass.

The discussion reflects a wider challenge facing packaging policymakers: sustainability targets must work alongside economic realities. Producer responsibility systems are designed to encourage better packaging choices, but their financial signals need to support genuine circularity rather than unintentionally shifting demand towards materials with weaker recycling outcomes.

As the UK continues implementing packaging reforms, the glass sector is calling for a reassessment of pEPR before further investment decisions are affected. British Glass says urgent government action is needed to maintain manufacturing capacity, protect skilled jobs and ensure packaging policy supports both environmental and industrial objectives.