Extended Producer Responsibility rules challenge UK glass makers and EU e‑commerce sellers

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are tightening across Europe, obliging online marketplace sellers such as Amazon, eBay and Zalando to register in national EPR systems, pay environmental levies and report product data. Failure to provide a valid EPR registration number can lead to listing suspensions on platforms.

In the United Kingdom, a weight‑based product‑EPR (pEPR) fee has been criticised by MPs and the glass industry for making infinitely recyclable glass bottles more costly than plastic. Parliamentarians warned that the current scheme threatens jobs, investment and the viability of domestic glass manufacturing, and called for an immediate 75% reduction in glass fees while a broader review is conducted. The government has signalled future consultations but has not pledged immediate relief.