The fees, which are available here, came into effect on 1 April an dare set to be paid by producers, covering scheme administrator PackUK’s costs and provide local authorities with additional income to cover the cost of recycling and disposal of waste packaging materials.
Fees are based on the type and weight of packaging materials.
The British Beer & Pub Association stated brewers, particularly those packaging and distributing drinks fall under the definition of producers, meaning they will face higher costs due to the new packaging fees and administrative burdens of reporting.
Significant costs
Furthermore, pubs could feel the impact through increased supplier costs, with brewers potentially passing on the EPR costs.
Operators will also have to pay double to recycle the same glass bottle as the products are classed as household waste but pubs already have to pay private contractors to take away their waste, according to the trade body.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “By heaping a further £124m on brewers - the equivalent of 4p per 330ml bottle - these new fees sabotage the Chancellor’s hopes for British businesses and will hit shoppers at the tills.
“To impose such significant costs on brewers who already use recyclable packaging and pubs who collected and recycle virtually all of their own glass is hugely disappointing.”
Endanger jobs and growth
She added: “To put it mildly, EPR could drive some brewers out of the glass bottle market and heap more costs on pubs, which will only endanger jobs and growth.
“This is just not good enough given the barrage of rates and regulations the sector is already grappling with.
“Given the threats these fees post to business, workers and shoppers, [the] Government must reconsider these costs and mitigate the impact so the sector can carry on doing what it does best - boosting the economy, keeping people in jobs and serving up great beer.”
