The appointment was announced by the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) on Wednesday (5 March 2025).
Graley has 30 years of experience leading packaging strategies, innovation and delivery across major UK retailers including Safeway and Waitrose.
She was most recently the head of packaging at Marks and Spencer and is a founding member of the Board of Directors for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme.
Graley said: “I am truly honoured to be appointed as the Head of the PRO at this pivotal moment for the future of the UK’s recycling system. The PRO’s success hinges on collaboration between producers, industry stakeholders, local authorities, and the wider community.
“I look forward to working together with all these partners to drive collaboration so we can achieve the shared goals of improving recyclability and ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.”
Graley has already been involved in the development of pEPR as part of the EPR Interim Steering Group. She was also previously on the Government’s Advisory Committee for Packaging.
Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at the FDF, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Karen to lead the PRO, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and experience leading successful recycling initiatives. Industry leadership is critical to the success of the EPR scheme, so Karen’s appointment is a big step towards unlocking its potential and building a truly circular economy, which producers want and need.”
Paul Vanston, CEO of INCPEN, added: “I’m thoroughly delighted to appoint a nationally recognised packaging industry expert with Karen’s wide knowledge, vast experience and credibility. INCPEN and the FDF are serious in our intent to create a PRO that delivers the highest quality economic and environmental outcomes for the UK, for obligated producers and across the value chain. We welcome Karen to her new role with enthusiasm and warmth at an incredibly important time to establish the PRO on firm foundations with Pack UK and the four UK governments.”
Jude Allan, interim managing director of OPRL where Graley is also a non-executive director, congratulated her on the new role: “Karen is the perfect person for this key role at a pivotal moment in pEPR. Her breadth of experience, collaborative style and drive to make positive change will make a great impact.
“At OPRL we have been lucky to have Karen at the heart of our business since the beginning. As joint-chair of the OPRL Technical Advisory Committee, she ensures that our recommendations are evidence-based and well-informed. Her strategic overview and drive to make a difference, evaluate and make considered decisions – on a materials-agnostic basis – have been hugely valued. We are really excited for what the future brings.”
What is the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)?
The PRO is intended to represent the interests of industry stakeholders – particularly producers – in the creation and running of pEPR.
In an open letter to the Scheme Administrator Interim Steering Group, ministers from the four nations signalled their support for an industry-led PRO for pEPR last October.
As head of the PRO, Graley will work with PackUK, obligated producers from relevant sectors, and key stakeholders across the UK’s four governments to set up the PRO and ensure it achieves its purpose of delivering a circular economy for packaging. She will also manage the PRO Steering Committee.
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