PackUK announces name of incoming CEO

Blake will be leaving his role as the director of circular economy at packaging company Amcor.

He previously spent almost four years working for packaging company Berry Global and six years at waste management company Viridor.

He said: “I have had a great time working at Berry and now Amcor, but I could not turn down this incredible opportunity.

“I am honoured to have been offered this opportunity and cannot wait to work with a great group of people.

“Hopefully I can contribute towards the continuing journey to make the UK Circular Economy a reality.

“I still have some time left before I join the team, but my excitement is steadily building!”

Additionally, Esther Carter has been announced as PackUK’s chief strategy officer.

Carter has spent over four years at environmental nonprofit Delterra, currently serving as its director of programs.

She said: “I am honoured to have been offered the opportunity and look forward to partnering with the PackUK teams, industry stakeholders, government and the new chief executive Jeremy Blake.

“Let’s build a truly great EPR scheme that boosts material recovery and meaningfully moves the UK towards a more circular economy.”

Defra is currently recruiting the chief operating officer of PackUK.

What is PackUK?

PackUK is the official scheme administrator for extended producer responsibility for packaging (pEPR) and was formally launched on 21 January 2025.

It is responsible for setting pEPR’s fees, raising them from obligated producers and making payments to local authorities.

Defra said that it believed the pEPR fees will raise more than £1 billion annually to support household collection and disposal services.

PackUK’s design and set up has been supported by an industry-led advisory steering group, chaired by Sebastian Munden – former chief executive of Unilever UK and Ireland.

‘A remarkable feat’

Margaret Bates from OPRL has been head of the scheme administrator since February 2024 on a temporary basis.

Jude Allan, Interim MD at OPRL, said: “In support of our members across the packaging sector, OPRL has spent the last few years working collaboratively towards the implementation of pEPR.

“This has been a remarkable feat, and we must recognise the huge role that OPRL’s own Margaret Bates, as head of the Scheme Administrator then head of PackUK, has played in bringing the industry together and driving delivery of pEPR.

“As PackUK now moves towards its full operational role, it is exciting to see the announcement of the key appointments to the senior leadership.

“With Jeremy’s valuable cross-sector experience of the packaging and waste management sector, and Esther’s grounding in the retail, brand and sustainability sectors, while also working closely with government, this sets the sector in good stead for the future, and I wish them both all the best.”