OPRL (On-Packaging Recycling Label) has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of plans for labelling under EPR for packaging, saying the decision to adopt the recycling ‘swoosh’ and consumer information around recycling offers ‘important continuity’ that will help to drive recycling participation.
From 2026, brand owners and importers will be required to label the majority of packaging products with a label instructing consumers to ‘Recycle’ or ‘Do Not Recycle’, and an accompanying logo.
While the ‘swoosh’ and instructions will be mandatory, packaging producers can choose whether to manage the application themselves, or sign up to a scheme.
Executive director Margaret Bates said, “Consumers need clear messages, and this commitment to familiar imagery and messaging will help to avoid any confusion. It is also encouraging to see that Defra, the devolved administrations and OPRL members – including many international brands – understand the value of the label.”
Asked about Government’s decision to offer the logo free of charge, Bates added, “Our ongoing engagement with Defra means this outcome was not surprising. Instead, OPRL is focused on helping our members to prepare, by assessing the recyclability of their packaging, and navigating the intricacies of labelling.
“You could compare it to filling out a tax return – it is possible to do it yourself, but if you are looking for a guarantee that you have ticked every box, then it is safer to hire an accountant. Managing labelling requirements for a vast range of products is challenging; getting it wrong can have a huge impact on consumer relations, as well as the regulatory consequences.”
