Glass Packaging: Extended Producer Responsibility

The MP expresses pride in the local glassworks in his constituency and urges the Minister to consider sector concerns and adopt sensible solutions suggested by Sarah Champion.

Supports EPR as a way to recycle, reuse, and reduce waste. Emphasizes the role of ecoSIP in decarbonising the drinks industry with lightweight packaging, which uses 90% less CO2 than glass.

The hon. Lady is pointing out the double counting and negative effects of EPR on pubs and hospitality businesses in my constituency, which employ around 4,000 people. The Government needs to reconsider this policy.

The MP questions the sustainability of glass due to its higher transportation and recycling costs compared to other products. However, Sarah Champion points out that in Wales 95% of glass is kerbside-collected and recycled. Asked the hon. Lady if she could give way on her points regarding material-switching and evidence of its impact, though she declined. Welcomed EPR as it means producers will have to pay for recycling or disposing of packaging, reducing costs for local councils and taxpayers. Emphasized the importance of clean streets for businesses.

Highlighted the impact on pubs and breweries with slim profit margins, estimating that around 85% of EPR costs will be passed onto consumers.

Inquired about innovative packaging like wool-based products and their classification under EPR.

Like the hon. Lady, I have heard from several of the pubs in my constituency. The George pub saw its business rates rise significantly due to recent changes, highlighting the need for support rather than additional taxation.

Declares an interest as her husband is the finance director of a wine merchant. North Shropshire's breweries and pubs are fundamental to local communities, facing headwinds with the EPR scheme. Asked about the urgency of publishing base fees for producers to plan their finances adequately.

Under the current plans, brewers face more than £150 million a year in new charges. This double payment for the same waste will cost up to £2,000 a year for larger venues. In Burton’s brewing industry, which has the most brewing jobs of any constituency in the UK, the policy risks stifling growth and investment at a time when they are needed.

Discussed the recycling obligations in Northern Ireland, noting the need for financial viability of additional business obligations.

Stressed the significant concerns within the hospitality sector, particularly in relation to pubs and their financial viability under new packaging waste regulations.

Robinsons Brewery in her constituency faces an additional £500,000 cost due to EPR. She agrees that unnecessary complexity and lack of clarity on levy amounts are significant concerns.

Discussed the costs of waste management and highlighted efforts to track down free riders, resulting in arrests for packaging export note fraud.

Thanked Sarah Champion for securing the debate on EPR regulations and expressed support for putting pressure on the Government to address this issue.

The MP highlights unintended consequences of EPR for businesses like pubs, which already manage packaging waste through commercial contracts but face double levies under the new policy.

Called for a pause in the scheme and delayed implementation until 2027 to ensure fairness and prevent job losses in the glass industry.

Holden’s Bottling company in Dudley has written with concerns about EPR making their business uncompetitive. The MP suggests calculating fees based on volume rather than weight to incentivise sustainable materials like glass over plastic.

Independent distilleries in Scotland, like those in North East Fife, are concerned about the implementation of EPR due to a lack of separate bottles for hospitality and consumers. The Government should address this issue during its consultation.