The FPA Friday Digest
07 August 2026
With Parliament in recess and many organisations operating on summer schedules, this has been a quieter week for packaging and policy news.
Even so, several developments have important implications for the sector. UK Packaging PRO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Kerry Easter as chief executive and Karen Graley as chief operating officer as it prepares for the next stage of its role in delivering pEPR.
Meanwhile, an investigation into UK plastic-waste exports to Turkey has renewed concerns about traceability, enforcement and the need for greater domestic sorting and reprocessing capacity. The findings come as Defra establishes a new board to oversee delivery of its Waste Crime Action Plan and strengthen coordination between the bodies responsible for tackling illegal activity.
In Europe, businesses are preparing for key provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation to begin applying on 12 August, including new PFAS limits for food-contact packaging and changes to Germany’s national packaging legislation. We also cover preparations for closer UK-EU alignment on food and packaging rules, and this year’s UK Packaging Awards and LPW Innovation Awards finalists.
PACKAGING REFORMS UPDATE
UK Packaging PRO appoints a CEO and COO
UK Packaging PRO has appointed Kerry Easter as its first chief executive, with Karen Graley becoming chief operating officer as the producer-led organisation moves beyond mobilisation and begins building its permanent delivery capability.
Easter joins with senior international supply-chain experience – spanning the drinks, food, beauty and home-care sectors. Her recent roles have included responsibility for Diageo’s European spirits supply chain, following an earlier career in senior manufacturing, packaging, quality and supply-chain positions.
Graley led the development of UK Packaging PRO and its successful application to become the producer responsibility organisation supporting delivery of the pEPR scheme. She will now oversee its operational capability and delivery as chief operating officer.
UK Packaging PRO was formally appointed by PackUK earlier this year, with its role beginning on 01 April and responsibilities being introduced gradually. The not-for-profit organisation was developed with support from more than 100 brands, retailers, producers and trade bodies to provide industry with a direct role in the operation and future development of pEPR.
PackUK remains the scheme administrator, responsible for setting producer fees, raising payments and distributing funding to local authorities. UK Packaging PRO will undertake functions delegated and funded by PackUK, working with producers, governments across the four UK nations, local authorities and organisations throughout the packaging value chain.
The appointments come as the PRO prepares to increase sector engagement and develop its strategy and delivery priorities over the coming months.
Packaging News: UK Packaging PRO appoints Kerry Easter as CEO and Karen Graley as COO
letsrecycle.com: pEPR scheme operator appoints senior team
FPA comment: “These appointments are an important step in establishing UK Packaging PRO as an effective and properly resourced organisation.
“Karen Graley is already well known to the FPA, and we have greatly valued her extensive industry knowledge, support and contribution to the association over a number of years, including as a judge for the FPA Awards. She will continue to be a huge asset to UK Packaging PRO in her new role as chief operating officer.
“We also warmly welcome Kerry Easter as chief executive. Producers need a strong voice within the operation of pEPR and clear evidence that their funding is being used to improve collection, sorting and recycling outcomes. We look forward to working with Kerry, Karen and the wider UK Packaging PRO team as they develop their delivery priorities”.
New board established to oversee government action on waste crime
Defra has established a Waste Crime Programme Board to provide strategic oversight of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan and improve coordination between the organisations responsible for tackling illegal waste activity.
The board will monitor progress against the action plan and bring together the agencies and government bodies involved in enforcement. Its establishment comes amid continuing concerns about illegal waste operations, inaccurate reporting, the movement of waste through complex supply chains and the ability of compliant businesses to compete with operators avoiding their responsibilities.
FPA comment: “Stronger coordination on waste crime is welcomed, but businesses will judge the programme by the enforcement that follows. Responsible producers should not be placed at a disadvantage by operators that avoid their obligations or by material being inaccurately reported as collected, recycled or exported. The government must ensure enforcement is properly resourced, visible and supported by data that allows non-compliance to be identified and acted upon”.
IN BRIEF
Carrier bag sales rise despite long-term reduction
Sales of single-use plastic carrier bags by England’s largest retailers remain almost 98% below their pre-charge level, although the latest Defra figures show an increase during the most recent reporting year.
The seven principal retailers sold 164 million bags between April 2024 and April 2025, an increase of 6% on the previous year but substantially below the 7.6 billion issued in 2014.
Across all 102 retailers reporting to Defra, 437 million single-use bags were sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 7%.
Retailers reported donating £7.7 million from carrier-bag proceeds to charitable and community causes during the year, taking the cumulative amount raised since the charge was introduced to more than £225 million.
Alupro reports £8.1m reduction in EPR costs
Alupro’s latest impact report says its policy and public-affairs work helped secure £8.1 million in EPR cost savings for the aluminium packaging supply chain during 2025. The report also states that 150,684 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling during the year.
Carbon-capture technology tested at Sheffield energy-recovery plant
Non-amine carbon-capture technology has completed an extended demonstration at Veolia’s Sheffield energy-recovery facility.
Technology developer C-Capture says the fully integrated unit completed 1,000 continuous hours of operation under commercial conditions. The trial is intended to demonstrate a potentially lower-energy route for reducing carbon emissions from residual-waste treatment.
ELSEWHERE ...
Businesses urged to prepare for UK-EU food-rule alignment
Defra has updated its guidance for businesses preparing for the proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement, which is intended to take effect during summer 2027, although the timetable and final terms remain subject to negotiation.
The agreement would require the UK to align dynamically with relevant EU rules across 18 agri-food policy areas. Its scope extends beyond animal and plant products to food safety, labelling, compositional standards and food-contact materials.
Law firm Browne Jacobson says the proposed arrangements should remove requirements including export health and phytosanitary certificates, ISPM15 markings for wood packaging and Northern Ireland plant-health labels for movements covered by the agreement.
Defra has also published the findings from its call for information. Of the respondents, 71% expected some operational change, 40% anticipated changes involving labelling and packaging and 56% expected an impact on their supply chains. A quarter said they would need more than 12 months to prepare.
The agreement remains under negotiation, and Defra is advising businesses to stay informed and prepare without making detailed changes before the final requirements are known.
Useful links:
View the Browne Jacobson update
Download Defra’s call for information findings
Investigation raises fresh concerns over UK plastic waste exports
An investigation by the Guardian and the Environmental Investigation Agency has raised serious concerns about the environmental consequences of plastic waste exported from the UK to recycling operations in Turkey.
Testing around recycling facilities in Adana reportedly identified extensive microplastic contamination in water, soil and agricultural areas. The findings have renewed questions about whether exporters and regulators have sufficient visibility over what happens to UK waste after it leaves the country.
The investigation does not allege that the UK companies identified acted illegally. However, exporters are required to ensure waste is handled in an environmentally sound manner, including when treatment takes place overseas.
Guardian: UK plastic 'waste colonialism' found to be pollutng Turkey's farming heartland
Guardian: Turkish farmers bearing the burden of the UK's plastic waste problem
FPA comment: “Producers are entitled to expect that material reported as recycled is genuinely recycled to appropriate environmental standards. This investigation reinforces the need for stronger traceability and visible enforcement throughout the recycling chain. It also demonstrates why producer funding must help create competitive collection, sorting and reprocessing capacity within the UK rather than allowing environmental risk to simply be transferred elsewhere”.
EUROPE
Germany aligns packaging law with PPWR
Germany’s new Packaging Law Implementation Act, known as the VerpackDG, will replace the country’s existing Packaging Act on 12 August, when most provisions of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation begin applying.
The PPWR will set the substantive requirements governing packaging placed on the EU market, including recyclability, recycled content, labelling and packaging minimisation. The German legislation will determine how areas left to national authorities are administered, including extended producer responsibility, registration and reporting, dual systems, deposit arrangements and enforcement.
From 12 August, UK producers without a German branch that supply packaged products or empty packaging directly to German end users must appoint an authorised representative to fulfil their EPR obligations. Registration with LUCID must still be completed by the producer.
Commission updates PPWR guidance as application date looms
Most provisions of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation begin applying on 12 August, bringing new requirements for businesses placing packaging on the European market.
The European Commission published an updated edition of its PPWR frequently asked questions on 3 August, addressing practical issues including existing stock, the point at which packaging is considered to have been placed on the market, economic-operator responsibilities, traceability and extended producer responsibility.
Food-contact packaging placed on the EU market from 12 August must comply with new limits on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
The Commission’s guidance indicates packaging already placed on the market before 12 August may continue to be supplied. However, there is no general exemption from the PFAS limits for packaging containing recycled material.
FPA comment: "The late publication of further guidance adds to industry concerns that businesses are being required to implement substantial new obligations before all the necessary technical detail and common interpretations are in place".
Useful links:
INTERNATIONAL
Australia considers national mandatory packaging EPR scheme
Australia is considering legislation that would establish a uniform national extended producer responsibility scheme for packaging, shifting more responsibility for packaging waste from councils and taxpayers to producers, importers and distributors.
The Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme for Packaging (No Time to Waste) Bill would require businesses placing packaging on the Australian market to take responsibility for its management across the full lifecycle.
OTHER NEWS
UK
Telegraph: Welsh could be forced to drive to England to recycle under new scheme. Read more here
The Guardian: UK plastic manufacturer could face legal action over toxic emissions. Read more here
Circular: Joint waste crime unit reports 111 disruptions during 2025-26. Read more here
Workplace Insight: Inconsistent recycling bin colours are creating compliance challenges for UK workplaces. Read more here
Facilitate Magazine: Veolia secures £183m waste deal with East London Waste Authority. Read more here
MRW: WRAP outlines potential for further progress on Welsh recycling rates. Read more here
London Packaging Week: Packaging enters a new economic era as regulation reshapes competitive advantage. Read more here
MRW: WRAP outlines potential for further progress on Welsh recycling rates. Read more here
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Packaging News: Go-Pak launches recycled-content cold cups. Read more here
Packaging Insights: Researchers expore catalyst-free conversion of plastic waste. Read more here
Packaging Gateway: Mondi tests direct laser marking for flexible packaging. Read more here
EUROPE
Packaging Insights: EU's Digital Product Passport Registry raises new data demands. Read more here
Packaging Europe: How do EU packaging regulations compare with UK ones? Read more here
Packaging Gateway: Small packaging manufacturers struggled with shifting regional EPR laws. Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Fast Company: Food packaging is entering a new era of scrutiny. Read more here
EXTERNAL EVENTS & PARTNER NEWS
London Packaging Week reveals Innovation Awards finalists
London Packaging Week has unveiled 87 finalists for its 2026 Innovation Awards, selected from hundreds of entries submitted by brands, designers, manufacturers and packaging innovators worldwide.
Spanning 18 categories across luxury, drinks, beauty, food, consumer goods and sustainability, the shortlist reflects growing use of fibre-based and mono-material solutions alongside advances in engineering, accessibility, recyclability and consumer experience.
The shortlisted projects will be displayed in the Innovation Awards Showcase at London Packaging Week, with the winners announced on the Luxury Stage between 12.30pm and 1.30pm on Thursday 17 September.
2026 UK Packaging Awards finalists announced
The finalists for the UK Packaging Awards 2026 have been revealed, recognising outstanding achievements in packaging design, production and innovation.
The shortlisted entries represent some of the strongest work from across the UK packaging industry, highlighting the creativity, technical expertise and commitment continuing to drive standards forward.
Winners will be announced at the UK Packaging Awards ceremony later this year.
FPA NEWS & EVENTS
FPA in the news
Packaging News: Foodservice packaging sector calls for practical reform as Defra confirms circular economy minister. Read more here
Packaging Scotland: Foodservice packaging sector sets out key priorities for new government. Read more here
Packaging Gateway: UK’s FPA presses for workable evidence-based packaging reforms. Read more here
Sustainable Packaging News: £27bn foodservice packaging sector calls for practical reform as Defra confirms circular economy minister. Read more here
Resource Media: Emma Hardy takes circular economy and waste crime portfolio. Read more here
Sustainable Packaging Middle East & Africa: UK’s FPA urges evidence-based packaging reform as US$36B sector faces overlapping EPR, DRS, plastic tax compliance burden. Read more here
Yahoo Finance: UK’s FPA presses for workable evidence-based packaging reforms. Read more here
Confidential input requested
Businesses with concerns about how pEPR is operating in practice – including issues relating to scope, competition, enforcement or unintended consequences, are invited to share their experiences in confidence with the FPA. We also welcome intelligence on potential gaps in scope, market distortions or suspected avoidance behaviours, which can be shared in confidence.
This insight is invaluable in ensuring industry concerns are effectively represented in our ongoing engagement with Defra, PackUK and the Environment Agency.
Please contact the compliance team directly via compliance@foodservicepackaging.org.uk. All information will be handled sensitively and used to inform our evidence base and policy discussions.
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