British Glass survey reveals 43% of brands considering switch from glass packaging due to DEFRA reforms; data shows 77% would choose plastic alternatives under new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme

Industry survey contradicts DEFRA’s claims, exposing deep concern over pEPR: glass packaging at risk due to flawed cost model

28 May 2025, Sheffield – British Glass has today published survey findings that challenge the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)’s claims regarding its proposed packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) reforms. The results reveal widespread concern across the packaging supply chain and show early signs of a shift away from glass packaging – towards less recyclable and less circular materials – driven by the policy’s poorly designed fee structure.

While British Glass supports the principle behind pEPR – that producers should contribute to the cost of managing the packaging they place on the market – the current approach is fundamentally flawed – calculating fees based on weight rather than volume, disproportionately impacting heavier recyclable materials like glass, and driving brands to switch to lighter, less sustainable options in order to save cost on packaging.

DEFRA claims pEPR will drive environmental benefits and reuse, but British Glass’s survey of brands, retailers and suppliers tells a different story:

• 43% of brands and retailers are considering switching away from glass

• 77% of those considering switching would choose plastic

• 38% of brands and retailers expect to pass on more than 95% of pEPR costs to consumers

• Two-thirds are considering importing glass from outside the UK, as imports have lower costs so can absorb pEPR fees. 

• Only 23% of brands are exploring reuse

Nick Kirk, Technical Director of British Glass said:

“We are already seeing the consequences of these poorly designed fees. Packaging is bought in units not weight, and despite modulation, which aims to reward recyclability, starting in 2026, heavier materials like glass will continue to be unfairly penalised compared to lighter, less and non-recyclable packaging materials. As UK glass packaging will bear around a third of the total pEPR costs, businesses are actively rethinking their packaging choices.”

DEFRA admits materials facing higher fees will see falling demand

DEFRA’s own Impact Assessment (p.106) admits that materials facing higher fees will see falling demand. A Freedom of Information request by British Glass shows that DEFRA has received some direct evidence of material switching but continues to downplay its significance.

Businesses are unwilling to publicly admit they are switching to less recyclable packaging to avoid cost – only 13% say that they have shared this directly with DEFRA, despite clear evidence in this survey that it is happening.

DEFRA underestimates the risk posed by cheaper imported glass displacing UK-made packaging

60% of the survey respondents said they would consider imported empty glass packaging as it is considerably cheaper than UK-produced glass and can therefore absorb pEPR fees and still remain competitive. While imports are  subject to the same pEPR charges, DEFRA underestimates the serious threat this poses to UK manufacturing, carbon emissions and the wider UK economy. UK glass manufacturers are already reporting downturns due to material switching away from glass packaging and increased imports of empty glass packaging in order to reduce packaging costs.

DEFRA claims pEPR will drive reuse

Reuse is the right long-term goal – but it is not a short-term solution. 81% of respondents say they are not pursuing reuse to avoid pEPR costs, citing high upfront investment and the absence of national infrastructure.

DEFRA admits viable reuse systems for most packaging types are at least a decade away. Meanwhile, modulation – which aims to reward recyclability – will only double fees for the hardest-to-recycle materials by 2028, which the industry believe is not robust enough to prevent switching away from glass packaging.

Recycling costs and job losses

DEFRA maintains that pEPR fees reflect the true cost of Local Authority collections, yet glass remains assessed largely by weight, particularly in sorting – despite being one of the easiest materials to separate. Glass accounts for around 5% of waste packaging by volume yet is projected to bear around a third of the total £1.5 billion pEPR cost burden.

The policy risks undermining a sector that directly and indirectly supports more than 120,000 UK jobs. With no cost savings for consumers or benefit to the environment.

DEFRA claims pEPR will benefit the environment and consumers, but its own assessment shows 85% of pEPR costs will be passed on the consumer. The result: higher prices at the tills, in the pubs, and across hospitality.  In addition,  pEPR income for local authorities will not be ringfenced for waste collections and sorting, therefore, this is a risk the local authority will not invest in improving waste and recycling.

British Glass is urging the Government to:

• The British Glass survey involved 74 respondents: 61% brands, 22% packaging manufacturers/suppliers, 15% ‘other’, 3% retailers.