As the deadline for the UK government’s consultation on reforms to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging looms on October 9th, Valpak, the country’s largest environmental compliance scheme, is urging textile and clothing brands, packaging producers and retailers to make their voices heard.

Issues still to be finalised include plans for deposit return scheme (DRS) packaging and whether responsible producers should bear the costs of those failing to comply, as well as timings, transparency around waste management fees and the responsibilities placed on online marketplaces.

“While the delay to EPR aims to give producers more time to prepare, the current regulations contain areas of ambiguity and potential concerns,” says George Atkinson, head of policy at Valpak. “This could be the last chance for businesses to make their voices heard on legislation that will affect generations to come.

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