DEFRA have provided the following information on future assessment criteria for Modulating Fees and the packaging information needs of all parties involved in the end-to-end production of goods:
Over 100 people from a wide range of interest groups took part in a Modulated Fees visioning event held on 24 October 2023, including representatives from the Welsh Government, trade associations, North London Waste Authority, green groups and charities.
We discussed the future assessment criteria for Modulating Fees and the packaging information needs of all parties involved in the end-to-end production of goods.
A summary of the discussions and feedback will be circulated via this newsletter. The slides are available on our new Packaging EPR Fees and Payments Shared Resources page here.
Materials for modulation in the early years of packaging EPR
Since September, we have been capturing input on a shortlist of packaging that we are thinking of charging more for under the modulation provisions of packaging EPR. These shortlisted materials were based on a review by WRAP using three criteria – availability of collection infrastructure, availability of reprocessing infrastructure and availability of end markets.
We’ve shared the QR code link to a feedback portal at various trade shows and conferences over the last two months and thank you all of you who gave up your time to give your views. Now it is time to draw that process to a close, so this is advance notice that the feedback portal will be closing on Friday 1 December 2023. You can find the portal here or use the QR code below. We have already started to review your feedback and will continue to do so after the portal closes and will let you know of next steps soon.
You can also email us if you use packaging that is on the Modulated Fees shortlist.
Upcoming engagement events:
Further engagement has been planned to support the rollout of EPR – please see below for new opportunities to participate in the EPR design process and how to get involved. Some dates are yet to be confirmed and will be shared via this newsletter:
Tuesday 28 November 2023, 2pm-3.30pm
Interactive webinar on modulated fees for environmental NGOs and consumer groups
We will be running a webinar for environmental NGOs and consumer groups on the EPR modulation mechanism. We’ll explain the principles behind it and then ask for views on the types of packaging which they and their members would like to see incentivised and disincentivised. Environmental NGOs and consumer groups can register here. Please feel free to circulate the opportunity to your networks.
Friday 1 December 2023, 2pm – 3pm
Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) update
Join us on Friday 1 December 2023 for an update on environmental consultants Eunomia’s progress in developing the RAM and a discussion on the proposed list of packaging types and characteristics, which will structure the way data will be entered into the RAM tool.
We’re interested to hear stakeholder views on the tool development to date and further information will also be provided on a survey which Eunomia will be running to gain additional feedback from stakeholders. Click here to register.
Wednesday 13 December 2023, 11.30am-12.30pm
Packaging EPR: Discussing the Drivers of Packaging Choices
Under packaging EPR, the Scheme Administrator (SA) has a duty to increase or decrease the base fee rates to reflect the environmental sustainability of different types of packaging. Initially the focus will be on recyclability of the packaging, but the SA can, over time, broaden the criteria to reflect wider environmental impacts.
Based on a summary of research company Kantar’s recent report on business drivers of packaging choices, this is a chance for you to ensure we have properly understood all the factors that influence your decisions, so we can make effective design choices for modulation. This session is targeted at obligated producers and their trade associations. Please register here.
