Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): What UK Packaging Producers Need to Know

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) represents one of the most significant changes to UK packaging legislation in recent years. Introduced to replace the previous Producer Responsibility Packaging Regulations, EPR places greater accountability on businesses for the full life cycle of the packaging they place on the UK market.

At SystemPAK, we work closely with food producers, manufacturers and packers across the UK, so we understand how these changes affect real businesses in practical terms. This guide explains what EPR is, who it applies to, what data must be reported and how to stay compliant.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a UK government scheme designed to improve recycling outcomes by shifting the full net cost of packaging waste management onto producers.

Under EPR, businesses that place packaging onto the UK market are responsible for the costs associated with managing that packaging once it becomes waste. This includes collection, sorting, recycling and disposal.

The aim is to encourage:

• Better packaging design
• Increased recyclability
• Reduced environmental impact across the supply chain

EPR officially replaced the previous PRN-based Producer Responsibility Packaging Regulations, introducing more detailed reporting and new cost structures.

Who needs to comply with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)?

EPR applies to UK organisations that handle or supply packaging, including:

• Food and drink manufacturers
• Ready-meal producers
• Delis and food processors
• Pet food manufacturers
• Importers and brand owners
• Businesses selling packaged goods to UK households

Compliance is based on turnover and tonnage of packaging handled, assessed at group level.

Small Producer vs Large Producer: What’s the difference?

Small Producer

You are classed as a Small Producer if:

• Your latest annual turnover is over £1 million, and
• You handle more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year, and
• Either your turnover is below £2 million or your packaging tonnage is below 50 tonnes

Reporting requirement:

• Annual reporting only

Large Producer

You are classed as a Large Producer if:

• Your latest annual turnover is over £2 million, and
• You handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year

Reporting requirement:

• Biannual reporting
• Full obligation applies

What packaging data must be reported?

Producers must report their obligated packaging data for the period 1 January to 31 December.

All data must be:

• Reported in kilograms
• Split by packaging class
• Split by material type
• Identified by whether it carries your own branding

Packaging classes you must report

• Primary packaging – packaging directly around a single sales unit
• Secondary packaging – packaging grouping multiple sales units
• Tertiary packaging – pallet-level or distribution packaging
• Shipment packaging – outer or transit packaging supplied to households

This level of detail is essential under EPR and applies regardless of packaging format, including rigid containers, tubs, trays, films and sleeves.

When do you need to report?

Small Producers

• Annual submission
• Deadline: 1 April following the obligation year

Large Producers

• Biannual submissions
  • 1 January to 30 June → due by 1 October
  • 1 July to 31 December → due by 1 April of the following year

All submissions are made through the government’s Report Packaging Data (RPD) platform.

What costs are introduced under EPR?

EPR introduces a revised cost structure made up of:

• Existing recycling obligations (PRN-related costs)
• Modulated disposal fees (for household packaging only)

These fees are designed to reflect how recyclable packaging is, meaning material choice and packaging design now have a direct financial impact.

How SystemPAK supports EPR-ready packaging

While SystemPAK does not provide regulatory advice, we support our customers by supplying:

• Clearly specified packaging materials
• Consistent product data to support accurate reporting
• Packaging formats suitable for recycling streams
• Advice on selecting packaging aligned with sustainability goals

From tamper-evident containers and freezer-grade tubs to trays, buckets and sleeves, our range is designed with real-world compliance and performance in mind.

Choosing the right packaging from the outset can simplify reporting, improve recyclability and reduce long-term cost exposure under EPR.

Key takeaways for producers

• EPR applies to most businesses handling packaging in the UK
• Reporting obligations depend on turnover and packaging tonnage
• Detailed material and packaging class data is mandatory
• Deadlines are strict and apply annually or biannually
• Packaging design now directly impacts compliance costs

If you would like support selecting packaging formats that align with EPR reporting requirements or sustainability objectives, the SystemPAK team is always happy to help guide you through your options.

Get in touch!

The post Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): A Guide by SystemPAK appeared first on SystemPAK.

1. Freezer Bags or Ziplock Bags:

Freezer bags or ziplock bags are popular and convenient choices for freezing cat food. Look for bags specifically designed for freezer storage, as they are made with thicker, more durable plastic. These bags provide an airtight seal, preventing air and moisture from entering and causing freezer burn. Ensure you remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to maintain the food’s freshness. Freezer bags are available in various sizes, allowing you to portion out the cat food according to your needs.

2. Vacuum Sealed Bags or Rolls:

Vacuum sealing is an excellent method to maximize the shelf life of cat food in the freezer. Vacuum sealing removes air from the packaging, reducing the risk of freezer burn and maintaining the food’s quality. You can use a vacuum sealer machine to seal the cat food in specially designed vacuum-sealed bags or rolls. This method is particularly beneficial for bulk storage, as it allows you to portion out the cat food and seal it in individual servings. Remember to label each vacuum-sealed bag with the date and contents for easy identification.

3. Sturdy Plastic Containers:

Sturdy plastic containers with airtight lids are another reliable option for freezing cat food. Look for containers made from food-grade plastic that is freezer-safe. These containers are durable and provide an excellent barrier against air and moisture. Choose containers with tight-fitting lids to create a secure seal. Ensure the containers are appropriately sized to accommodate the amount of cat food you want to freeze and leave some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.

4. Aluminium Foil:

Aluminium foil can be a budget-friendly alternative for freezing cat food. Wrap the cat food tightly in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminium foil to prevent air exposure. Make sure the foil is sealed tightly to maintain the food’s freshness and avoid freezer burn. While aluminium foil is not as airtight as other options, it can still provide adequate protection for short-term storage or if you plan to use the frozen cat food relatively quickly.

5. Silicone Freezer Trays:

Silicone freezer trays are a convenient option for freezing portioned cat food. These trays are usually divided into individual compartments, allowing you to freeze measured servings of cat food. Silicone is flexible and non-stick, making it easy to remove the frozen portions. Once the cat food is frozen, transfer the portions to airtight freezer bags or containers for long-term storage. Silicone freezer trays are reusable, easy to clean, and take up less space in the freezer compared to other packaging options.

Important Tips for Freezing Cat Food:

• Always label the packaging with the date and contents to keep track of freshness.
• Ensure the cat food is cooled to room temperature before freezing to prevent condensation.
• Avoid using packaging materials that are not specifically designed for freezer storage, as they may not provide sufficient protection against freezer burn.
• Place the cat food in the freezer as soon as possible after packaging to maintain its quality.
• Store the frozen cat food in a dedicated freezer section away from strong-smelling foods to prevent cross-contamination of odours.

By selecting the appropriate packaging options mentioned above, you can freeze cat food effectively while preserving its nutritional value and taste. Properly packaged frozen cat food will provide a convenient and nutritious option for your feline companion.

The post What is the Best Packaging to Freeze Cat Food appeared first on SystemPAK.

1. Design and Mould Creation:
The manufacturing process begins with the design phase, where engineers and designers create the blueprint for the tamper-evident container. Factors such as size, shape, material, and tamper-evident features are taken into consideration. Once the design is finalized, a mould is created. The mould is typically made of metal, such as aluminium or steel, and is shaped to match the desired container design.

2. Material Selection:
Tamper-evident containers are commonly made from various materials, including plastic, glass, or metal. The selection of material depends on the specific requirements of the product being packaged. Plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), is a popular choice due to its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Glass containers offer a premium look and feel, while metal containers provide strength and barrier properties. The chosen material is then prepared for the manufacturing process.

3. Injection Moulding (Plastic Containers):
For plastic tamper-evident containers, the most common manufacturing method is injection moulding. The process starts by heating plastic pellets or resin to a molten state. The molten plastic is then injected into the mould under high pressure, filling the cavities and taking the shape of the container. After cooling, the mould is opened, and the newly formed container is ejected. Injection moulding allows for high production volumes and precise replication of the container design.

4. Glass Forming (Glass Containers):
Glass tamper-evident containers are manufactured through a process called glass forming. This process involves heating glass in a furnace until it reaches a molten state. The molten glass is then formed using various techniques, such as blowing, pressing, or casting, to create the desired container shape. The formed glass container is then annealed to relieve any internal stresses and increase its strength. Additional processes like frosting or labelling may be applied to enhance the container’s appearance and functionality.

5. Metal Forming (Metal Containers):
Metal tamper-evident containers, such as aluminium or tinplate cans, are produced through metal forming processes. These processes typically involve the use of specialized machinery to shape flat metal sheets into the desired container shape. Techniques like deep drawing, pressing, or stamping are employed to form the metal into the desired contours and dimensions. Metal containers often undergo additional processes like coating, printing, and sealing to provide a protective and visually appealing finish.

6. Tamper-Evident Features Integration:
During or after the container manufacturing process, tamper-evident features are integrated into the design. These features can include tamper-evident bands, tear strips, breakable seals, or indicators that provide visible evidence if the container has been opened or tampered with. These features are crucial for ensuring the integrity and safety of the product.

7. Quality Control and Packaging:
Throughout the manufacturing process, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the tamper-evident containers meet the required standards and specifications. This includes inspections for dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and the proper integration of tamper-evident features. Once the containers pass the quality control checks, they are packaged and prepared for distribution and use.

Manufacturing tamper-evident containers involves a combination of design, material selection, specialized manufacturing techniques, and integration of tamper-evident features. The process ensures that the containers provide the necessary protection and visible evidence of tampering, ultimately giving consumers peace of mind when using products sealed within them.

The post What is the Manufacturing Process of Tamper-Evident Containers appeared first on SystemPAK.

1. Beverage and Food Industry:
Kraft cardboard sleeves find extensive use in the beverage and food industry. They are commonly utilized as sleeves for hot beverage cups, such as coffee cups, to provide insulation and protect hands from the heat. The textured surface of Kraft paper sleeves offers a secure grip, enhancing the comfort and safety of consumers while enjoying their hot drinks. Additionally, these sleeves can be custom printed with branding, logos, or promotional messages, making them an effective marketing tool for businesses.

2. Bakery and Confectionery:
In the bakery and confectionery industry, Kraft cardboard sleeves serve various purposes. They are often used to wrap individual baked goods, such as cookies, pastries, or muffins, providing a protective barrier against moisture and external contaminants. Kraft sleeves can also be used as decorative wraps for gift boxes, adding an eco-friendly and rustic touch to the presentation of baked goods or confectionery items.

3. Retail and E-commerce Packaging:
Kraft cardboard sleeves are an excellent choice for retail and e-commerce packaging. They can be used as protective covers or sleeves for items like books, stationery, small electronics, and other products that require minimal packaging. Kraft sleeves offer a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging while providing a natural and minimalist look. They can be easily customized with printed designs, labels, or tags to enhance branding and create a unique unboxing experience for customers.

4. Product Promotions and Giveaways:
Due to their versatility, Kraft cardboard sleeves are commonly used for product promotions and giveaways. Businesses can utilize them as promotional sleeves to wrap samples, product trial sizes, or promotional items. Custom printed Kraft sleeves with company logos or marketing messages can help increase brand visibility and create a memorable impression on customers.

5. Eco-Friendly Packaging:
One of the significant advantages of Kraft cardboard sleeves is their eco-friendly nature. Made from renewable resources and being recyclable, Kraft paper is a sustainable material choice. Kraft sleeves align with the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious packaging solutions. Using Kraft sleeves demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact and can enhance the eco-friendly image of businesses.

6. Art and Crafts:
Kraft cardboard sleeves are also popular in art and craft projects. Their natural and rustic appearance makes them ideal for DIY projects, such as handmade cards, scrapbooking, or journaling. Kraft sleeves can be easily decorated, painted, or stamped to add a personal touch to artistic creations.

Advantages of Kraft Cardboard Sleeves:

• Eco-friendly and sustainable packaging option.
• Versatile and suitable for various industries and applications.
• Provides insulation and protects against heat in beverage cups.
• Enhances branding and marketing opportunities through custom printing.
• Provides a natural and rustic aesthetic appeal.
• Recyclable and biodegradable, reducing environmental impact.

Kraft cardboard sleeves offer a wide range of applications and benefits across multiple industries. Their versatility, eco-friendliness, and customizable nature make them an excellent choice for businesses and individuals looking for sustainable and attractive packaging solutions. Whether it’s for beverages, food items, retail products, or artistic projects, Kraft sleeves provide practicality, protection, and a touch of natural beauty.

The post What Are Kraft Cardboard Sleeves Good For? appeared first on SystemPAK.

Your Feedback Matters!

At System Pak, we prioritise the experience of our customers, and as we prepare to unveil our new website, we want to ensure that it meets and exceeds your expectations. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us, and we believe that it plays a crucial role in shaping the online experience we provide.

How to Participate

Participating in the review competition is easy and rewarding. Once our new website goes live, simply explore the website thoroughly and share your thoughts by leaving a review. Your review can highlight aspects such as user-friendliness, design, ease of navigation, and overall experience.

The Exciting Reward

By sharing your review, you not only contribute to the enhancement of our online platform but also stand a chance to win a £150 voucher to spend with System Pak. This voucher can be used to explore our extensive range of products, including tamper-evident containers, food packaging solutions, and much more.

Stay Tuned for the Launch

Keep an eye out for the official launch of our new website, as this will be your opportunity to be among the first to explore its features and provide your valuable feedback. We are committed to providing you with an exceptional online experience, and your input will directly contribute to achieving this goal.

Be a Part of Our Journey

As we prepare to unveil our new website, we are excited to embark on this journey with you, our loyal customers. Your support and feedback have been instrumental in our growth, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence through our enhanced online platform.

Ready to Win?

Get ready to explore our new website, share your thoughts, and stand a chance to win a £150 System Pak voucher. We can’t wait for you to experience our new online home and be a part of this exciting milestone.

Stay tuned for the official launch and be the first to review our new website for a chance to win big with System Pak!

Visit Our Current Website

The post Unveiling Our New Website: Be the First to Review and Win a £150 System Pak Voucher! appeared first on SystemPAK.

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) Update

The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is scheduled to increase from £210.82 to £217.85 per metric tonne, representing a rise of £1.18 per pallet on average. This adjustment reflects the government’s efforts to encourage the use of recycled plastic and discourage reliance on virgin plastic in packaging.

Implications for Invoices

It’s crucial to note that all invoices issued after April 1, 2024, will reflect the increased Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) of £217.85 per metric tonne.

System Pak’s Response

In light of this change, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition for our valued customers:

Transparent Pricing: We are committed to maintaining transparent pricing, and as such, all our invoices will clearly reflect the updated Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) as mandated by the government.

Customer Support: Our dedicated customer support team is available to address any inquiries or concerns you may have regarding the PPT update and its potential impact on your business.

System Pak understands the importance of staying abreast of regulatory changes that may affect your operations. We are here to provide the necessary support and information to help you navigate through these updates effectively.

Your satisfaction and success are of utmost importance to us, and we remain committed to providing you with high-quality products and services.

For further information, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We appreciate your continued partnership and look forward to serving your packaging needs with excellence.

The post Informing You About the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) Change appeared first on SystemPAK.

In fact, the possibilities are so vast that you can run a successful business by selling different types of soup alone. The key is to know your proportions and your way of delivering the product. 

While the magic of perfect soup proportions lies in your own hands, here at SystemPAK, we are gladly offering our services for the second one: product delivery! 

How Can We Help You? 

Soup, just like all other liquid meals, are slightly more difficult to sell. You can sell solid food on trays and open bowls, and they won’t threaten to spill at the slightest knock. But with a hot bowl of soup (or even with cold soup), you need your packaging to be on its A-game. A professional-grade soup serving container from SystemPAK can help you in the following ways: 

1. Easy to Sell 

You may be running a restaurant or a roadside food stall. Regardless, our soup containers are perfect for takeaways and parcels. This causes more people to buy them because they’re so easy to handle. 

2. Safe 

Soup spilling incidents aren’t new to literally anyone who knows what soup is! The wet mess and the potential burns that result from a spill are bad news for business. This makes professional-grade containers the easiest and safest way of serving soup in most cases. 

3. Handy Branding 

What better way to have someone promote your brand than to have them walk around with your label? With SystemPAK’s customised printing and labelling services, you can earn a new customer every time someone notices your brand! 

4. Tamper Evident Packaging 

Tamper evident packaging, also known as tamper-resistant packaging, is a food packaging technique that makes it obvious to the customer that the product has been tampered with. Therefore, it’s easy for your customer to detect any tampering with the containers, seals, or lids. This way, your business keeps the customer safe, which strengthens the foundation of your business ethics! 

5. Economize and Estimate 

Lastly, bulk food companies find our SystemPAK soup containers to be in their best interest. Whether you’re a supply company, own a catering business, or manage hotels, a readymade container allows you to estimate the amount of serving and the approximate cost for as large or as little quantity as you prefer.

Endless Options! 

You can get our soup containers in a number of different shapes, sizes and with different protective measures. SystemPAK can even print your brand logo, nutritional information and manufacturer details on the containers.

The post Introducing SystemPak Soup Containers appeared first on SystemPAK.

Nick Banduch, digital and data optimisation manager for SystemPAK, said: “We wanted a partner that gave visitors to our site real assurance that the reviews they were reading were from verified owners, and Google Reviews helps boost our online reputation.“

Visitors can visit the website and search for reviews mentioning specifics of Tamper Evident containers as well as other injection moulded items, so they can find the relevant reviews.

Consumers will get the feedback they can trust from real SystemPAK customer. The aim to enhance the customer experience with this genuine review system is an important factor in SystemPAK’s new website.

How to leave a Google review

To leave a review, you must be signed in to a Google account. If youre not already signed in when you try to leave a Google review, you’ll be asked to do so.

Step 1: As a vauled customer. please provide us with a Google review (from your smartphone or desktop) after you have completed your transaction with SystemPAK.

Step 2: How to leave a review; you an search for SystemPAK on Google and click on the ‘reviews’ link followed by ‘write a review’.
Or, go to Google Maps, search for a place and then follow the same process of clicking on reviews then ‘write a review’.

Step 3: Once you are on the Google My Business listing for SystemPAK, you’ll be directed to ‘Write a Review’ (if on the listing in SERPs), or ‘Rate and Review’ if in the Google Maps app. You can then rate SystemPAK (out of a maximum five stars), or both rate the SystemPAK and leave a text review. You can also attach photos to illustrate your experience.

Thank you for leaving a review on Google.

The post SystemPAK agrees Google Reviews partnership for enhanced customer experience appeared first on SystemPAK.

Keeping up with this shift, SystemPAK has also expanded its line of container options to help different businesses with different clientele and different cuisines, find their right type of container with ease. Here, you can look into:

1. Deli Portion Pots

These are small, circular, single-portion pots and are great for serving gravies, broths, and even desserts. They are perhaps some of the most commonly sold deli containers and are seen in a number of places, from supermarkets to roadside vendors to parcel packages. They’re ideal for single servings.

2. Deli Portion Tubs

If you’re serving something that’s meant for multiple servings, then this one’s the perfect pick. Deli portion tubs can be used to serve a number of cuisines, ranging from Italian pasta to sandwiches!

3. Sauce Pots

Instead of drizzling your sauces, garnishes, and other condiments all over the main dish, it is usually preferred to serve them separately in one of SystemPAK’s sauce pots! These are smaller than regular pots and tubs but are sufficient to complement the main dish. These also add a touch of sophistication to your end product!

4. Salad Bowls

Serving salads in disposable styrofoams is old news. Now, you can try out SystemPAK’s very own lidded salad bowls that are shaped perfectly to create stunning designs, including sidewalls of veggies and fruits as well as more complicated patterns inside the bowl.

5. Salad Containers

If your customers can’t get enough of your scrumptious salad varieties, then you can also serve them in bigger batches, which is where these salad containers fit in perfectly. These have a larger volume, yet they’re more compact than salad bowls. Therefore, you can even use them for selling readymade salads to supermarkets and other restaurants in bulk instead of serving right to the end customer.

6. Food Trays

Serving different types of meals? Try out SystemPAK’s food trays! These are compatible with all the portions usually included in a single serving meal, ranging from starters, main course, sauce, salad, sides, as well as a dessert. SystemPAK’s food trays are also re-sealable, so they are perfect for on-the-go eating.

Conclusion

As catering evolves, so does the need for different container options. SystemPAK’s range of catering-compatible containers has excellent designs for all businesses, regardless of their cuisines or price range. These ensure safe and healthy food under all conditions, helping brands establish their reputation more positively.

The post SystemPAK’s Catering Containers appeared first on SystemPAK.

The machine can also accommodate a number of different dies to suit an extensive range of different sized containers –  available  in a variety of different materials  such as PP, Cpet, Apet, CA-Pet, PLA,  CA-PLA, Alum  etc

The low cost and hygienic nature of this machine with chosen die(s) makes it ideal for use in most retail outlets, supermarkets and catering establishments

The principle benefits and advantages of using the universal #3130 are numerous and include the following:

• Stainless steel construction – robust and easy to clean

• Video / Booklet included – shows assembly and ease of use

• No moving parts – little to go wrong and easy to maintain

• Variable temperature settings – to suit containers in different materials and compatible sealing film

• Can accommodate a wide range of different sized containers – sealing dies to suit on request

• Die change – quick and simple

• 100% seal –  to prevent contamination OR leakage

• Shelf life –  extended

• Guarantee – six months ( subject to normal wear and tear )

• Service Agreement on request.

• Purchase Agreement on request

• A modified version of this machine, namely the #3133 which cuts the film close to the rim of any container- providing a neat and professional finish, is available on request  ( extended lead time )

In conclusion, Systempak highly recommend this piece of equipment to any outlet operating as a Butcher, Baker, Deli, Fast Food, Takeaway, Fruiterer etc

The post Have You Seen Our Table Top Heat Sealing Machines? appeared first on SystemPAK.