PackUK Appoints Independent Chairs for Advisory Groups on Packaging Waste Reforms
PackUK has announced the appointment of Independent Chairs for its four advisory groups, integral to shaping the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging scheme (pEPR). These groups aim to enhance the UK’s packaging waste reforms, ensuring effective management and sustainability in the packaging sector.
Composition of the Advisory Groups
The newly created voluntary advisory groups consist of diverse experts from both public and private sectors. Although they do not make decisions, their collective expertise is expected to provide valuable insights that will guide PackUK’s strategies. The groups are:
- Scheme Administrator Steering Group
- Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee
- Efficiency and Effectiveness Technical Advisory Committee
- Communications and Behaviour Change Advisory Group
PackUK is dedicated to engaging professionals from across the packaging value chain and values the contributions that these appointed members will make.
Scheme Administrator Steering Group’s Role
The Scheme Administrator Steering Group plays a critical role in fostering collaboration across the packaging industry. It replaces the former Interim Scheme Administrator Steering Group, which operated until mid-2025. The group will present perspectives to the Scheme Administrator Executive Committee (SA ExCo) on improving operational functions related to:
- Maximising environmental benefits via knowledge sharing
- Enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the collection and packaging system
Membership Composition
Except for local authority representatives, all appointed members serve as individuals rather than as representatives of companies. The group consists of members from various sectors:
Producer organisations and trade associations: Alison Bramfitt, Cat Hay, Gareth Callan, James Bull, John Ryan, Kevin Laughton, Paul Vanston, Steve Carpenter.
Compliance schemes: Robbie Staniforth.
Waste management organisations: Emma Beal, Stuart Hayward-Higham.
Non-government organisations: Claire Shrewsbury, Paula Chin.
Local authority representatives: Andrew Cassells (Northern Ireland), Craig Mitchell (Wales), Silke Isbrand (Scotland), Steve Palfrey (England).
Sebastian Munden has been appointed as the Chair, with James Bull taking on the role of Deputy Chair.
Technical Advisory Group Leaders
The leadership of the technical advisory groups has been finalised—with Emma Wilkinson as Chair of the Recyclability Assessment Methodology Technical Advisory Committee (RAM TAC), Cathy Cook leading the Efficiency and Effectiveness Technical Advisory Committee (E&E TAC), and Paul Vanston heading the Communications and Behaviour Change Advisory Group (CBCAG).
Membership Tenure and Future Opportunities
Each advisory group will convene on a quarterly basis. The initial tenures will last one to three years, allowing for regular refreshment of membership while ensuring continuity. There will be annual opportunities for individuals to re-apply, with all future appointments set to last three years.
Conclusion
This initiative is crucial in advancing the UK’s efforts towards sustainable packaging practices and waste management. By engaging a broad range of expertise, PackUK aims to lead the charge in effective packaging waste reforms, a matter of increasing importance in today’s environmentally conscious landscape.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/packuk-advisory-group-members-appointed-and-chairs-confirmed
