Pack UK has appointed UK Packaging PRO as the Producer Responsibility Organisation for the pEPR scheme.  Gov UK has today (23 March) said that the producer-led organisation will help drive the shift to more recyclable materials and reduce landfill.  The UK Packaging PRO brings together more than 100 brands, retailers and trade bodies and is supported by the Food and Drink Federation…

With the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility and the Deposit Return Scheme, some types of packaging are set to become far more cost-efficient than others. Lizzy O’Riordan explores what will win out as the material of the future. EPR. These are the three letters the drinks trade can’t stop talking about. Admittedly, it’s not the most glamorous topic or acronym, but…

Following the publication of the 10-Year Health Plan for England, Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, Cat Smith, led a Commons debate in Westminster this morning (8 July) on the link between alcohol and cancer.  The health plan, published on 3 July by the government, laid out aims to increase the alcohol content threshold at which a drink can be described…

The government’s anticipated base fees for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme have been released to a chorus of criticism, with critics taking aim at what is being characterised as a disproportionate and unclear burden on businesses which are already struggling with rising costs. Payable from April 1 2025 – with invoices issued October 2025 – the fees are intended to cover the…

Eco-friendly wine bottle producer Packamama has announced that Robin Copestick has joined its board as a non-executive director.  Copestick brings with him three decades of experience in development, retail strategy and sustainability advocacy. He is currently managing director of Freixenet Copestick, and his new role at Packamama will complement this position.  As non-executive director, Copestick will support Packamama’s mission to decarbonise wine…

In September, The Wine Society announced the addition of four Packamama rPET flat bottles to its permanent range, signalling a statement of intent in the quest for more environmentally friendly wine packaging. Lucy Britner speaks to Packamama chief executive and founder Santiago Navarro. I’m a wine guy in packaging, not a packaging guy in wine,” starts Packamama chief executive and founder Santiago Navarro.

As November rolls by and we move quickly towards the festive season, retailers are turning their minds to Christmas gifting. In anticipation of the gift-buying season, Lizzy O’Riordan looks at what’s likely to be in demand for Christmas 2024. ADVENT CALENDARS Every year there’s debate about whether advent calendars are overdone within drinks, and of course, there is no clear conclusion.