24/06/2026
For decades, food packaging was primarily viewed as a marketing tool. A well-designed pack could help a product stand out on crowded supermarket shelves, communicate quality and encourage consumer trust. While those objectives remain as important as ever, recent changes in UK packaging legislation mean businesses must now place equal emphasis on compliance.
The introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations has fundamentally changed how organisations approach packaging. Under the UK’s EPR framework, businesses that supply or import packaging may be required to collect and report packaging data, register with regulators and contribute towards the costs of managing packaging waste. The scheme is designed to shift the financial responsibility for packaging waste away from local authorities and onto the organisations placing packaging onto the market.
For food manufacturers, distributors and brand owners, this means packaging decisions can no longer be made solely on the basis of aesthetics, functionality or cost. Material selection, recyclability, packaging weight and environmental impact are becoming increasingly important considerations, with future fee structures expected to place greater emphasis on sustainability and recyclability.
At the same time, food packaging remains subject to strict labelling requirements. Product labels must be clear, visible, permanent and not misleading, while providing consumers with essential information such as ingredients, allergen declarations, nutritional information and other mandatory details where applicable. Failure to meet these requirements can result in costly product recalls, retailer rejection or reputational damage.
Food Packaging in 2026: Why Compliance and Brand Appeal Must Work Together For decades, food packaging was primarily viewed as a marketing tool. A well-designed pack could help a product stand out on crowded supermarket shelves, communicate quality and encourage consumer trust. While those object...
