The newly appointed PRO is a producer-led body formed to take on many functions of scheme administrator PackUK.
UK Packaging PRO brings together more than 100 of the UK’s largest brands, retailers and trade bodies, securing backing from industry groups including the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN).
PackUK said the appointment follows a “rigorous selection process” aimed at ensuring the successful candidate could represent the breadth of the UK packaging sector.
Jeremy Blake, Chief Executive of PackUK, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome UK Packaging PRO as the new Producer Responsibility Organisation.
“This announcement follows a rigorous selection process, as PackUK was committed to choosing the best candidate possible to represent the diverse interests of the packaging industry.
“The appointment of the PRO will further enhance the scheme by unlocking the benefits that an industry-led organisation can bring.”
PRO to start in April 2026
The formal appointment for UK Packaging PRO will commence on 1 April 2026, with responsibilities introduced gradually.
The organisation is expected to take on delegated functions, including developing modulation and RAM methodologies, leading on communications and public information and providing operational support.
Karen Graley, Head of UK Packaging PRO, explained: “We’re very proud to have been appointed to play such a vital role in the packaging EPR scheme. UK Packaging PRO was created to give producers a genuine seat at the table.
“With strong governance in place, a clear mobilisation plan, and broad support from across the sector, we are ready to get to work – in close partnership with PackUK, governments, local authorities and organisations across the value chain to deliver a packaging system that works better for everyone.”
PackUK will maintain oversight of the PRO and ensure its accountability to the governments of the UK’s four nations.
Core administrative powers, such as final decisions on local authority payments and producer fees, will remain with PackUK.
Karen Graley and Sebastian Munden to lead PRO
Graley, who led the applicaiton process, will continue as Head of UK Packaging PRO, directing the ramp up and mobilisation.
She has a career in packaging innovation, working at both Waitrose and M&S, and was a founding director of OPRL.
Sebastian Munden CBE has been appointed Chair of the Board for UK Packaging PRO.
He brings over 30 years’ global FMCG experience, most recently as former Chief Executive of Unilever UK & Ireland.
Munden added: “Many of us in the industry have been working for this moment for many years.
“Although it has been a long time to get here, this is only the very beginning of industry-led EPR in the UK.
“A cost-conscious, data-driven, innovation-minded approach will be good for citizens, local authorities and producers, with benefits in standards of living and to the economy.
“I am looking forward to a genuine partnership between government and business.”
‘Putting industry expertise at the centre of pEPR’
The industry-led approach is expected to strengthen the collaboration between government and industry, with the PRO model designed to give producers a more direct role in shaping how pEPR is delivered.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh added: “This government will accelerate the circular economy transition.
“Our packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme will incentivise businesses towards more sustainable packaging choices and improve recycling services in every region.
“The launch of UK Packaging PRO, led by businesses and working closely with PackUK, is a major step forward – putting industry expertise at the centre of how pEPR is delivered.”
The second year of the scheme will see the Recyclability Assessment Model (RAM) applied to pEPR fees, which grades packaging on its disposal options in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
Following a shortfall of £63 million in the first year of operation, the scheme is aiming to recover £1.56 billion in its second year running.
