EPR Regulations 2025: What UK Label Buyers Need to Know
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme is fundamentally changing how UK businesses think about packaging waste. For companies using labels at scale, understanding these regulations isn't just about compliance—it's about finding cost-effective solutions that reduce both waste and fees.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility?
EPR shifts the cost of managing packaging waste from local councils to the businesses that produce or use packaging. Under the new UK scheme, companies handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually must:
- Register with the relevant environmental regulator
- Report packaging data accurately
- Pay fees based on the amount and recyclability of packaging used
- Meet recycling targets for different material types
How Labels Fit Into EPR
Many businesses overlook labels when calculating their packaging footprint. But consider this: a mid-sized retailer printing 500,000 labels per month using traditional die-cut labels generates approximately 2 tonnes of liner backing waste annually.
This silicone-coated backing paper is notoriously difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfill. Under EPR, that's waste your business pays for—twice: once to dispose of it, and again through EPR fees.
The Linerless Advantage
Linerless labels eliminate the backing liner entirely. Here's what that means for EPR compliance:
1. Zero Liner Waste
No backing paper means no liner waste to report or pay fees on. For high-volume operations, this can reduce packaging waste by 40% or more compared to traditional labels.
2. Simplified Reporting
Fewer packaging materials means simpler EPR data collection. Linerless thermal paper is a single material stream—no multi-layer composites to categorise.
3. Lower Disposal Costs
Beyond EPR fees, businesses save on general waste disposal. Liner backing takes up bin space and adds weight—eliminating it reduces skip collections and waste management costs.
4. Sustainability Credentials
EPR is part of a broader push toward sustainable packaging. Switching to linerless demonstrates genuine commitment to waste reduction—not just compliance, but leadership.
Calculating Your Potential Savings
The exact savings depend on your label volume, but here's a rough guide:
| Monthly Label Volume | Est. Annual Liner Waste | Potential Waste Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| 100,000 labels | ~500kg | 500kg eliminated |
| 500,000 labels | ~2,000kg | 2 tonnes eliminated |
| 1,000,000 labels | ~4,000kg | 4 tonnes eliminated |
Use our Savings Calculator to estimate your specific cost savings.
Making the Switch
Transitioning to linerless labels requires linerless-compatible printers, but the investment typically pays back within 12-18 months through reduced consumable costs and waste savings.
Key considerations:
- Printer compatibility: Check our Hardware Picker for compatible models
- Label widths: Linerless is available from 40mm to 112mm widths
- Volume requirements: Higher volumes see faster ROI
- Industry requirements: Food-safe, BPA-free options available
Looking Ahead
EPR fees are expected to increase as the scheme matures. Businesses that reduce packaging waste now will be better positioned as regulations tighten. Linerless labels aren't just about today's compliance—they're about future-proofing your operations.
Ready to reduce your packaging waste? Request a free sample pack to try linerless labels in your operation, or contact our team for a consultation on switching.