The government has announced changes to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules that could reduce glass packaging fees by up to 40%, following sustained pressure from the wine and spirits industry.

The measures, announced by Defra on November 11, include the removal of EPR fees on glass bottles sold directly by producers to licensed hospitality venues from April 2027. The government estimates that ending the double charging of recycling costs could save businesses up to 10p per wine bottle.

A further review will examine how fees can better reflect the recyclability of packaging materials, potentially reducing charges for glass, paper and other easily recycled materials by up to 40%. PackUK will launch a call for evidence in early 2027, meaning the wider reductions have yet to be finalised. The changes could ease cost pressures on wine importers and suppliers, although the direct-sales exemption will not automatically apply to wines supplied through wholesalers or retailers.

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association welcomed the announcement following a meeting with Defra minister Emma Hardy.

Chief executive Miles Beale said: “At last! We welcome that a Burnham-led government has listened to UK businesses and to WSTA campaigning over the last two years. A reduction of up to 40% in glass fees over two years is a late, but welcome correction – and brings the UK scheme more in line with similar ones in other countries.” He added that mounting costs had threatened the viability of some businesses and described the decision as “a much needed win for pubs, bars and restaurants”. Wine and spirits account for 50% of glass drinks containers on the UK market, according to the WSTA.

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle said the government had listened to industry concerns and wanted to address unfair double charging while maintaining incentives to reduce packaging waste. The announcement is a significant concession to drinks producers and importers, but the scale of future savings will depend on the outcome of the consultation and how the revised fees are implemented.