In response to Defra updating industry on mandatory labelling will not now be included in the first stages of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), Jude Allan, interim managing director at OPRL, said she was encouraged that Defra had highlighted the need for brands to continue to use labelling to help customers recycle in the interim.
Defra announced in a recent business readiness forum that the decision to put mandatory labelling on hold was to avoid potentially unnecessary costs to businesses and frictions to trade due to similar reforms currently being considered by the EU.
Allan described it as a slight set-back, but added: “Communicating with customers through on-pack labelling will remain central to the success of pEPR, so it is important to build on the work that OPRL has been doing for 15 years. We do not want to lose momentum when it comes to providing clear advice to householders about how to dispose of their packaging.
“We know that Defra will be exploring ways to introduce a labelling regime that benefits businesses and consumers alike. OPRL will be liaising with Defra and will continue to inform our members around the latest developments, as well as continuing and developing our services to our members. We look forward to working with the packaging value chain on labelling for pEPR as future arrangements are clarified.”
OPRL said it will continue to support members as we continue to ensure citizens across the UK understand how to recycle their waste to best effect. Clarity and communication to citizens is a key part of delivering the Collection & Packaging Reforms overall.
