£27bn foodservice packaging sector sets out priorities for the new government
FPA offers to work with Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Defra to deliver growth, investment and a practical circular economy
The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has congratulated Prime Minister Andy Burnham and welcomed the appointment of Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle, offering to work with the new government to strengthen UK manufacturing while accelerating the transition to a practical circular economy.
Representing more than 130 manufacturers and distributors with an estimated combined economic footprint of more than £27 billion and supporting 70,000 jobs, the association believes the foodservice packaging sector can make an important contribution to government's ambitions for economic growth, industrial renewal and improved recycling.
Over the past year, the FPA has collaborated with Defra, PackUK, the Environment Agency and parliamentarians to support the development of practical, evidence-based packaging policy. The association thanks Mary Creagh for her constructive engagement with the sector during her time as the minister responsible for the circular economy agenda and looks forward to building a positive relationship with the minister who succeeds her.
FPA CEO Ellen Daniels said:
"Our industry wants to help the new government succeed. The UK has the expertise, innovation and manufacturing capability to become a global leader in sustainable packaging, but businesses need regulation that is practical, evidence-led and gives them the confidence to invest.
"We look forward to working with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Dame Angela Eagle, the incoming Defra Minister and the wider government to build a packaging system that delivers better environmental outcomes while supporting British manufacturing, jobs and growth".
Five priorities for the new government
1. Refine Extended Producer Responsibility
The FPA supports the principle of producer responsibility but believes the scheme should now be strengthened through evidence-based improvements that increase confidence, transparency and fairness.
The association is calling for:
- An independent review of producer registration and enforcement.
- Greater transparency around fee modelling and underlying assumptions.
- Stronger assurance that all obligated producers contribute fairly.
- Publication of confidence measures within the producer base.
- Implementation of recyclability fee modulation only when confidence in the producer base has been established.
2. Put evidence at the centre of environmental policy
Future policy should be informed by robust lifecycle evidence and whole-system environmental outcomes rather than assumptions about individual materials.
Packaging plays an essential role in protecting food, reducing waste, supporting public health and strengthening national food security by ensuring food can be transported, stored and consumed safely while minimising waste throughout the supply chain. Policy should reflect these wider benefits while encouraging innovation across all packaging materials.
3. Provide certainty for investment
Following an unprecedented period of regulatory change, businesses now need clear implementation plans, consistent guidance and long-term policy certainty to continue investing in UK manufacturing, recycling infrastructure and innovation.
4. Champion British manufacturing
The foodservice packaging sector supports tens of thousands of skilled jobs and continues to invest in recyclable materials, recycled content, lower-carbon manufacturing and circular design.
Government policy should encourage domestic investment, strengthen supply chain resilience and competitiveness and avoid unintended consequences that disadvantage responsible UK manufacturers.
5. Continue working with industry
The FPA believes the best policy is developed collaboratively.
The association welcomes the increasingly constructive engagement established with Defra, PackUK and the Environment Agency over the past year and stands ready to support ministers with practical industry expertise as packaging reforms continue to evolve.
Building on progress
The new government has an opportunity to demonstrate that economic growth and environmental ambition can be delivered together.
The association has written to the Prime Minister and Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle setting out these priorities and would welcome the opportunity to meet ministers to discuss how government and industry can work together to strengthen UK manufacturing while delivering a more effective circular economy.