Karen Graley appointed head of PRO for EPR

THE Food and Drink Federation (FDF), along with the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), has announced the appointment of Karen Graley as head of the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). 

Karen has 30 years of experience leading packaging strategies, innovation and delivery across UK retailers including Safeway and Waitrose. Most recently she was head of packaging at Marks and Spencer. Karen is also a founding member of the board of directors for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme and was part of the EPR interim steering group, created to support the mobilisation of the scheme and formation of the administrator, PackUK. She was also previously on the government’s advisory committee for packaging.

The PRO is being established by packaging producers across all the sectors covered by EPR, led by FDF and INCPEN, to ensure fees raised by producers drive an increase in recycling rates. The organisation will act on behalf of producers to ensure their views are represented, driving improvements in recycling, including supporting local authorities, and attracting investment into recycling infrastructure. 

As head of the PRO, Karen will work with PackUK, obligated producers from relevant sectors, and key stakeholders across the UK’s four governments to set up the PRO and ensure it achieves its purpose of delivering a circular economy for packaging. She will also manage the PRO steering committee. 

Karen Graley said, “I am truly honoured to be appointed as the head of the PRO at this pivotal moment for the future of the UK’s recycling system. The PRO’s success hinges on collaboration between producers, industry stakeholders, local authorities, and the wider community. I look forward to working together with all these partners to drive collaboration so we can achieve the shared goals of improving recyclability and ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.”

Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging, FDF, added, “We’re thrilled to welcome Karen to lead the PRO, bringing a wealth of industry knowledge and experience leading successful recycling initiatives. Industry leadership is critical to the success of the EPR scheme, so Karen’s appointment is a big step towards unlocking its potential and building a truly circular economy, which producers want and need.” 

Paul Vanston, CEO, INCPEN, added, “I’m thoroughly delighted to appoint a nationally recognised packaging industry expert with Karen’s wide knowledge, vast experience and credibility. INCPEN and the FDF are serious in our intent to create a PRO that delivers the highest quality economic and environmental outcomes for the UK, for obligated producers and across the value chain. We welcome Karen to her new role with enthusiasm and warmth at an incredibly important time to establish the PRO on firm foundations with Pack UK and the four UK governments.”