The fees are incurred by producers based on the volume by weight of packaging which they put on the market.
The legislation aims to ensure that large producers who supply or import packaging in the UK are responsible for the costs of dealing with the associated waste.
A spokesperson for PackUK said: “This transparency gives producers the information they need to make informed decisions about packaging design that can lead to lower costs over time whilst improving environmental outcomes.”
For the first time, the fees now incorporate the RAM which grades the packaging on its disposal options in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
The fees will apply for the second year of pEPR, with this year’s fees not using the RAM.
The fees are as follows:
| Material | June 2025 Base Fee | Green fee (in £ per tonne) | Amber fee (in £ per tonne) | Red fee (in £ per tonne) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminium | 266 | 245 | 270 | 325 |
| Fibre-based composite | 461 | 475 | 525 | 630 |
| Glass | 192 | 185 | 205 | 245 |
| Paper and card | 196 | 190 | 210 | 250 |
| Plastic | 423 | 415 | 455 | 545 |
| Steel | 259 | 260 | 290 | 345 |
| Wood | 280 | 410 | 450 | 540 |
| Other | 259 | 205 | 225 | 270 |
Credit: PackUK
The fees in bold represent fees that will be charged to greater than 50% of the material group, based on RAM tonnage data submitted.
PackUK confirmed that the final version of the fees will be published next year.
Robbie Staniforth, Innovation and Policy Director at Ecosurety, said: “While these fees are a step in the right direction, they are far from the finished article.
“It does, however, signify that the Government are serious about punishing badly designed packaging.
“The indicative fees will help companies begin to plan and adjust their budgets for potentially higher costs next year.”
The first round of illustrative fees for 2026 was published in November 2025, but did not include the RAM-methodology.
Earlier this month, producers were charged for the first time in keeping with the 2025 fees.
More accurate picture
The Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee (RAM TAC) advises on packaging sustainability and the RAM.
This includes ensuring that guidance reflects recyclability alongside other relevant assessment criteria.
Staniforth added: “The bigger picture is that the packaging data from producers will get more accurate and granular over time causing PackUK to become increasingly confident about the penalties they should deal out.
“We expect the Recyclability Assessment Methodology to evolve in line with the roadmap published earlier in the year.
“The Technical Advisory Committee have their work cut out to improve the methodology in line with the Government’s increasing penalties.”
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