The financial impact of poor data
pEPR data accuracy directly determines the fees producers pay.
Producers must pay waste disposal fees for household packaging. These fees depend on the type and volume of materials reported. As a result, the more packaging you report, the higher your costs.
However, accurate reporting does more than affect your invoice. It also influences future base fees. Regulators calculate these fees by dividing total waste management costs by the total volume of packaging on the market.
Therefore, your data helps shape future costs for your business and others.
How eco-modulation increases risk
As pEPR develops, eco-modulation will play a bigger role.
Under the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), each packaging component receives a rating:
- Red – highest cost
- Amber – standard cost
- Green – lowest cost
In the first year, red-rated packaging will cost 20% more than amber-rated packaging.
Because of this, accurate RAM scoring is essential. If you misclassify packaging, you may pay more than necessary.
What data is required for pEPR reporting?
To improve pEPR data accuracy, you need to capture:
- Product information (codes and names)
- Packaging material and weight for each component
- Quantities placed on the market, including destination countries
- Branding ownership and placement
- RAM scoring for each packaging component
- Data aligned to the correct reporting period
“Any material used to cover or protect goods” must be included under pEPR:
Preventing common pEPR reporting mistakes
Packaging classification errors
Under pEPR, you must classify packaging as:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Shipment
This classification determines where the packaging ends up and who pays for disposal.
- Primary and shipment packaging count as household
- Secondary and tertiary packaging count as non-household
As a result, incorrect classification can lead to incorrect charges.
What Valpak can do
Through our Data Management services we help:
- Increase weight coverage
- Fill gaps in RAM scoring
- Engage suppliers for missing data
- Run custom weighing exercises
- Enrich datasets using 65+ million SKU records
Double reporting
Double reporting happens when the same packaging appears more than once in your submission.
This often occurs when:
- Different teams report the same data
- Packaging is placed in the wrong category
Because of this, businesses often overpay their pEPR obligation.
What Valpak can do
Valpak assigns you a dedicated account manager who:
- Understands your business structure
- Aligns your data across teams
- Ensures packaging is reported once and correctly
Why better data creates value
Although compliance is the main driver, good pEPR data accuracy delivers wider benefits.
For example, it helps you:
- Reduce compliance costs
- Improve forecasting
- Make better sustainability decisions
- Increase supply chain visibility
- Stay ahead of regulatory change
Businesses that invest early in data infrastructure are better placed for future regulatory changes such as The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).
Take control of your pEPR data
Accurate data is essential for controlling costs and reducing risk.
Whether you need support with reporting, data validation, or building a long-term data strategy, Valpak can help.
Visit our Data Management page to improve your data accuracy
Enquire about our Global Data Insight Platform to gain value from deeper insights
Speak to our team about Packaging Compliance support
