All the UK Packaging Regulations You Need to Know – A Guide from genesis labels and packaging
Packaging is more than just a container for your product—it’s a key player in environmental responsibility, brand trust, and regulatory compliance. At genesis labels and packaging, we stay at the forefront of UK packaging legislation to ensure that your packaging solutions are fully compliant, sustainable, and future-proof.
Whether you're a brand looking to launch a new product or a business scaling up operations, here's everything you need to know about UK packaging regulations in 2025.
1. UK Packaging Waste Regulations
The foundation of packaging compliance in the UK lies in the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations. If your business handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year and has a turnover over £2 million, you must:
- Register as a packaging producer
- Report how much packaging you handle annually
- Purchase Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) to cover your share of recycling obligations
Update: In 2024, the UK government introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, replacing parts of the existing PRN system with stricter reporting and cost-sharing requirements.
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Under EPR (rolled out from 2024 into 2025), businesses that produce packaging are now responsible for the entire lifecycle of that packaging, including:
- Collection
- Sorting
- Recycling
- Cost recovery from local authorities
Key Requirements:
- Detailed data reporting every six months (materials, formats, recyclability)
- Modulated fees: Businesses pay more for hard-to-recycle materials
- Mandatory labelling to inform consumers whether packaging is recyclable
At genesis, we guide our clients through these complexities, ensuring materials and labelling meet EPR compliance.
3. Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
Introduced in April 2022, this tax applies to all plastic packaging components manufactured in or imported into the UK that contain less than 30% recycled plastic.
Rate (as of 2025): £210.82 per tone (subject to annual inflation)
Genesis labels and packaging actively works with suppliers and clients to develop packaging with 30%+ recycled content to avoid unnecessary taxation and support circular economy goals.
4. Packaging Labelling Regulations
The UK is aligning with clearer labelling standards to help consumers recycle correctly.
Required or Recommended Labelling Includes:
- Recycling symbols (e.g. OPRL – On-Pack Recycling Label)
- Material identification codes (e.g. PET 1, HDPE 2)
- Environmental claims must not be misleading (as per CMA’s Green Claims Code)
We offer full labelling support—including design and compliance checks—to ensure you meet all legal obligations.
5. Chemical Safety and REACH Compliance
Packaging must comply with UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), especially if it includes:
- Inks, adhesives, or coatings
- Plastics with additives
We ensure all materials used in our production process are REACH-compliant and safe for both users and the environment.
7. Sustainability Standards & Voluntary Certifications
While not always legally required, the following certifications are increasingly expected by retailers and consumers:
- FSC® certification for paper-based materials
- Bluesign® system partners
- GRS
- ISO 9001
Genesis labels and packaging meets or exceeds these standards across our production lines.
Final Thoughts
The UK packaging landscape is rapidly evolving with a strong focus on sustainability, transparency, and accountability. At genesis labels and packaging, we not only stay compliant—we innovate ahead of the curve.
Whether you're revising your packaging to meet EPR requirements or looking to reduce plastic tax liabilities, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Contact us today to ensure your packaging ticks every box—compliance, performance, and sustainability.
📞 Get in touch: +44(0)1943 870558
📧 Email us: Sales@genesislabels.co.uk
🌍 Learn more: genesislabelsandpackaging.co.uk