The Packaging Waste Regulations work on the principle of shared producer responsibility whereby all obligated organisations have to take responsibility for their impact on the environment. The packaging supply chain is divided up into four activities and a different percentage of the responsibility is allocated to each different activity. Please refer to diagram below to find out more:
Role: Manufacturing of packaging raw materials.
Example: Manufacturer of steel for baked beans cans.
Role: Manufacturing a recognised packaging item.
Example: Manufacturer of steel can for baked beans.
Role: Putting a product into packaging.
Example: The company which fills the cans of baked beans.
Role: Supplying the packaging to the end user.
Example A: The wholesaler who sells boxed cans of beans to the supermarket would have the selling obligation on the boxes.
Example B: The supermarket which sells the baked beans to the consumer would have the selling obligation on the cans.
Role: Directly importing packaging, packed goods or packaging material. The level of obligation depends on the stage of the chain at which the packaging is brought into the UK. Rolled up obligation equals total of activities performed abroad.
If your business carries out one or more of the activities above, take our FREE online test to find out if it is obligated under the Packaging Waste Regulations. If you think your business is obligated and you are interested in joining our packaging compliance scheme, please do not hesitate to contact us via our enquiry form, Live Chat, email or by calling 03450 682 572.
