Karen Graley named head of EPR producer responsibility organisation
The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), along with the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), has announced the appointment of Karen Graley as the head of the producer responsibility organisation (PRO) for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Graley brings 30 years’ experience leading packaging strategies, innovation, and delivery across major UK retailers, including Safeway and Waitrose, and most recently in her role as head of packaging at Marks and Spencer. Alongside spearheading packaging innovation for these national retailers, Graley is also a founding member of the board of directors for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme, which has transformed packaging and driven up recycling rates across the UK.
Karen Graley has already played a role in shaping the development of the UK’s EPR scheme, sitting on the EPR Interim Steering Group, which was created to support the mobilisation of the scheme and formation of the scheme’s administrator, PackUK. She was also previously on the Government’s Advisory Committee for Packaging.
The PRO is being established by packaging producers across all the sectors covered by EPR, led by FDF and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), to ensure that the fees raised by producers drive an increase in recycling rates. The organisation will act on behalf of producers to ensure their views are represented in the scheme, driving improvements in recycling, including supporting Local Authorities and attracting investment into recycling infrastructure.
As head of the PRO, she will work with PackUK, obligated producers from relevant sectors, and key stakeholders across the UK’s four governments to set up the PRO and ensure it achieves its purpose of delivering a circular economy for packaging. She will also manage the PRO Steering Committee.
Karen Graley, head of the PRO said of the opportunity: “I am truly honoured to be appointed as the Head of the PRO at this pivotal moment for the future of the UK’s recycling system. The PRO’s success hinges on collaboration between producers, industry stakeholders, local authorities, and the wider community. I look forward to working together with all these partners to drive collaboration so we can achieve the shared goals of improving recyclability and ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.”
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging, FDF said the federation is thrilled to welcome Karen Graley to lead the PRO, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and experience leading successful recycling initiatives.
“Industry leadership is critical to the success of the EPR scheme, so Karen’s appointment is a big step towards unlocking its potential and building a truly circular economy, which producers want and need,” he said.
Paul Vanston, chief executive officer, INCPEN said both organisations are delighted to appoint a nationally recognised packaging industry expert with Karen’s wide knowledge, vast experience and credibility.
“INCPEN and the FDF are serious in our intent to create a PRO that delivers the highest quality economic and environmental outcomes for the UK, for obligated producers and across the value chain,” he said of Graley’s appointment. “We welcome Karen to her new role with enthusiasm and warmth at an incredibly important time to establish the PRO on firm foundations with Pack UK and the four UK governments.”
