E-commerce businesses are arguably the fastest growing industry around the world, and along with retail businesses there is a need for packaging solutions. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging changes how businesses manage their environmental obligations throughout their whole supply chain.

SR Mailing has developed this complete guide to everything you need to know about EPR packaging.

What Is EPR Packaging?

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, a regulatory approach designed to make businesses more accountable for the packaging they place on the market. This framework outlines how some businesses may need to report packaging data and contribute towards waste management and recycling costs.

EPR schemes also support broader sustainability goals by encouraging continuous improvements to packaging design, greater levels of care around recyclability and a generally reduced environmental impact across the industry.

Which Businesses Are Affected by EPR Packaging Regulations?

EPR packaging regulations can apply to a wide range of businesses in virtually any industry, as long as they are involved in supplying packaged goods. E-commerce retailers, manufacturers, importers, distributors and brands selling packaged products may all have responsibilities under EPR packaging schemes. The specific obligations often depend on factors like annual turnover, the weight of packaging handled and the company’s role within the supply chain.

These regulatory thresholds can vary between schemes, locations and markets, making it important for businesses to understand their individual requirements. It is crucial to review packaging activity, your supply chain responsibilities and overall material usage, which can help organisations prepare for compliance and reduce the risk of potential penalties or unnecessary costs.

What Packaging Materials Are Covered Under EPR?

Paper and Cardboard

Arguably, the most recognisable packaging material out there is paper and cardboard. This packaging type is covered under EPR regulations and can include anything from shipping boxes, labels, paper bags, cardboard wraps and corrugated boards.

Plastic

Plastic packaging materials tend to include bottles, pots, tubs, trays, films, crisp packets and even pouch packaging. This material is widely used across various consumer goods, food packaging and e-commerce fulfilment. Flexible plastics that are used for a wide variety of packaging like food aren't currently widely recycled, so enforcing sustainability regulations is critical.

Glass

Glass packaging covered by EPR schemes typically includes items like jars and bottles used for food, beverages, cosmetics and certain household products that are supplied to consumers and commercial markets alike.

Metal

Metal packaging materials like aluminium cans, foil, steel aerosols, paint tins and more. This material in particular may require reporting and other compliance tasks under applicable EPR packaging regulations.

Wood

Wooden packaging covered under EPR may include pallets, crates and boxes used for transporting, storing and protecting goods throughout manufacturing, warehousing and distribution processes.

Fibre-based Composites

Fibre-based composite packaging can include drink cartons and pouches made from combined materials designed to improve durability, preservation and product protection during transportation and storage. These materials are covered under the EPR packaging regulations.

Other Packaging Materials

The regulations don’t just apply to common material types. Other packaging materials which are potentially covered under EPR regulations are things like cork, jute, hessian, ceramics and string.

How Businesses Can Reduce EPR Packaging Costs

Reduce unnecessary packaging

By reviewing packaging designs on a regular basis for improvements, businesses can minimise excess materials, reduce waste on a large scale and lower the amount of packaging placed onto the market. Simplified packaging solutions may also help to improve storage, order fulfilment and final transportation efficiency.

Switch to recyclable materials

Choosing to use more widely recyclable materials is a great way to support your company’s overall sustainability goals, with the added bonus of maybe reducing EPR-related costs. Recyclable packaging may also improve consumer recycling rates and help businesses align with evolving environmental regulations.

Use paper-based packaging where appropriate

Paper and cardboard packaging are widely collected and recycled across many waste management systems, however, material selection should be based on the specific requirements of the product and supply chain, taking into account factors such as product protection, material weight, transport efficiency, recyclability, and EPR costs. In some cases, paper-based packaging may offer environmental and operational benefits, while in others, lighter-weight alternatives may be more effective.

Optimise packaging sizes and weight

Optimise packaging sizes and weight:
Similar to design reviews, revising and reducing packaging dimensions and the overall weight can work wonders for lowering shipping, warehousing and material costs. Lightweight and space-efficient packaging will also help to reduce carbon emissions levels that are traditionally linked to transportation.

View packaging as both an environmental and financial decision

Packaging choices can influence compliance obligations, waste management costs, recycling performance and brand perception. Businesses that regularly review packaging strategies may improve both sustainability outcomes and long-term operational efficiency.

Why More Businesses Are Switching to Sustainable Packaging

Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging options more and more every day. This is, of course, due to rising consumer and worldwide demand for recyclable materials and greater environmental responsibility. Pressure to reduce plastic waste, alongside the ever-evolving EPR regulations, is encouraging companies to put great priority on eco-friendly packaging solutions.

These industry changes are driving most sectors towards paper-based and recyclable options that support long-term sustainability goals. By choosing to work with trusted providers like SR Mailings, businesses can help themselves align strict compliance requirements with efficient, environmentally conscious packaging strategies, solutions and designs.

Choosing EPR-Friendly Packaging for Ecommerce

E-commerce businesses can simply support EPR packaging compliance by using recyclable, efficient and thoughtful packaging. Cardboard boxes, Kraft paper mailing bags, paper void fill, void fill collection and sustainable packaging tape can all help reduce environmental impact. The right choices should balance EPR compliance with product protection, sustainability goals and logistical efficiency.

Recent EPR Packaging Changes Businesses Should Know About

EPR packaging regulations are always evolving, with stricter reporting requirements, improved recyclability standards and a need for greater producer responsibility across supply chains in various industries. Many schemes are now introducing more detailed data collection and eco-modulated fees based on environmental impact. Businesses must stay updated on changing legislation and official guidance to maintain compliance, avoid penalties and adapt packaging strategies effectively as regulations develop.

As of writing this guide, the most recent change was on the 10th of February 2026, which outlined how compliance schemes can now register producers on the service.

Green jumper inside recycled mailing bag on green background

sealing cardboard box with packaging tape

Common EPR Packaging Mistakes to Avoid

Common EPR packaging mistakes can increase costs and compliance risks for businesses. These include things like using difficult-to-recycle materials unnecessarily, poor packaging data tracking, ignoring reporting obligations, over-packaging products when it isn’t needed and pushing sustainability planning down the line.

Each of these issues can lead to inefficiencies, higher fees and potential regulatory penalties. Businesses that fail to address packaging strategy early may also struggle to adapt to evolving EPR requirements and changing sustainability expectations across their supply chains and customer base over time.

Preparing Your Packaging Strategy For The Future

Businesses should refine their packaging strategy and adopt more sustainable solutions to improve compliance with EPR packaging regulations and reduce the overall environmental impact of their company. Seeking expert guidance can help organisations align with evolving EPR requirements and enhance efficiency. For tailored support, contact SR Mailing today, in order to optimise packaging choices, strengthen compliance readiness and implement long-term sustainable packaging strategies.

White shoes, black t-shirt with cardboard boxes on a green background

FAQs

What does EPR stand for?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a regulatory framework that makes businesses responsible for the packaging they place on the market. EPR rules encourage producers to manage packaging waste responsibly and support improved recycling, recovery and sustainability.

What Is EPR Compliance?

EPR compliance refers to the environmental regulations that packaging must adhere to, to be legally compliant. Businesses may need to collect packaging data, report volumes, pay potential applicable fees and ensure packaging materials meet recycling, recovery and sustainability requirements.

Who Pays EPR Fees?

There are certain fees that are part of the parcel with EPR. These fees could potentially apply to importers, producers and other businesses that are supplying packaged goods. Company size, packaging activity and local regulations will impact responsibility.

Do small businesses need to comply with EPR packaging regulations?

Small business obligations under EPR packaging regulations can vary depending on company activities and features like annual turnover, packaging volumes and operational activities. Some businesses may qualify for reduced reporting requirements, while others must still monitor and report packaging data more accurately.

Is paper packaging better for EPR compliance?

Recyclable paper packaging may support EPR compliance by helping businesses improve sustainability performance and reduce environmental impact. In some cases, using widely recyclable packaging materials could potentially lower EPR-related costs and improve recycling outcomes for consumers.

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EPR Packaging: The Complete Guide

What Is EPR Packaging?

Which Businesses Are Affected by EPR Packaging Regulations?

What Packaging Materials Are Covered Under EPR?

Paper and Cardboard

Plastic

Glass

Metal

Wood

Fibre-based Composites

Other Packaging Materials