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Packaging: Environment Protection

Asked by Dr Ellie ChownsGreen PartyDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 24588

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to protect UK packaging producers from foreign competitors with more environmentally harmful products.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The UK's Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) scheme and related fees apply equally to products whether they are imported or manufactured in the UK. This helps ensure a level playing field for UK packaging producers, whilst encouraging the use of packaging which is easier to recycle.

In addition, the UK promotes resource efficiency and circular economy objectives through its free trade agreements, including cooperation with partners on environmentally sustainable product design and related product information, including for packaging.

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