What are the mandatory requirements for labelling under Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR)?

Mandatory recycling labelling of packaging will not be included in the first stage of Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR). 

What do we know: 

• This is a temporary position, and mandatory labelling will be included in future amendments to the pEPR legislation. 

• The decision to put mandatory recycling labelling on hold is to help avoid potentially unnecessary costs to businesses and frictions to trade due to similar reforms currently being considered by the EU. 

• Mandatory labelling was removed to avoid any further delay to the implementation of pEPR. 

• There is still a plan to introduce new legislation at a later date. 

What does this mean: 

• The requirement for recycling labels on consumer packaging will not be enforced from 1 April 2027 as previously announced. 

• Communicating with consumers through on-pack labelling is still key. 

• Labels on packaging are still the No. 1 source of recycling information. 

• We will continue to liaise with Defra and will inform you of the latest developments. 

We do not have an update on mandatory labelling. Defra has stated that once there is greater certainty about the EU approach (expected summer 2026), they will consider options for UK mandatory labelling. 

We continue to monitor the PPWR directive for Europe; however, at present, we do not have any further information. Once we have a greater understanding of how it will affect the UK, we will update our members. In the meantime, you can view information on the progress of PPWR here. 

Communicating with consumers through on-pack labelling remains key, and our recent consumer research proves that labels on packaging are still the no.1 source of recycling information.

Read more about pEPR in more detail in our Useful Guide here.