Packaging Outlook 2027

Packaging regulation is now a live cost in every sourcing decision. UK EPR fees track recylability, the rules on recycled content for Plastic Packaging Tax tighten in April 2027, and the EU’s PPWR applies to anything sold into Europe. In this report, we set out what changes, what it means for your packaging, and what to review before the year begins.

What's Changing in Packaging in 2027?

in this report

The regulatory changes, material trends and claims rules shaping UK packaging
brought together in one place

Key Take-Outs

1.6x

EPR fee multiplier for
Red-rated packaging in 2027, rising to 2.0x in 2028

80%

Of EPR feeds could be passed through to retail pricing
the British Consortium warns

51%

Of UK plastic packaging
now meets the 30% recycled content
threshold

10% PCR

2030 PPWR target for contact-sensitive
HDPE

1%

Aluminium's Year 2 EPR fee increase,
one of the smallest of any material

5 Changes Shaping Packaging in 2027

EPR Fees Now Follow Recyclability

From Year 2, UK EPR fees are modulated by PackUK's Red, Amber and green recyclability ratings. Red-rated packaging pays 1.6 times the base fee in 2027, so material choice now shows up directly in your fee liability.

Recycled Content Rules Tighten

From 1 April 2027, pre-consumer recycled plastic no longer counts towards the 30% Plastic Packaging Tax threshold. Only post-consumer material qualifies, and your supplier documentation needs to prove it.

PPWR Reaches UK Brands Selling into Europe

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has applied since 12 August 2026. Brands without an EU legal entity need an EU-based Authorised Representative, with recyclability grades and recycled content targets following from 2030.

Mono-Material Becomes the Specification

From 2030, packaging must reach at least Grade C for recyclability to be placed on the EU market. Container and closure in the same material family is the most direct route to better EPR ratings and PPWR grades.

Green Claims Face Real Enforcement

CMA guidance from January 2026 holds every business in the supply chain responsible for the claims it repeats, and the EU's ECGT Directive now bans generic terms like 'eco-friendly'. Specific, evidenced claims are the safe ground.

Who Is This Report For?

This report is for brand owners, contract fillers, product developers and procurement teams sourcing rigid packaging in the UK – across personal care and beauty, healthcare and supplements, animal health, beverage and homecare. It’s especially useful if you are:

Budgeting for 2027 packaging costs, including EPR fees and Plastic Packaging Tax

Selling or shipping products into the EU

Reviewing the sustainability claims on your packaging

Moving ranges to PCR plastic, mono-material or aluminium

Who It's Designed For

This report is for brand owners, contract fillers, product developers and procurement teams sourcing rigid packaging in the UK.

Why Use This Report:

Understand what changes in UK EPR, Plastic Packaging Tax and the EU’s PPWR in 2027.
See how material choice now affects fees, tax and compliance.
Check which sustainability claims hold up under CMA and EU rules.
Work through an audit checklist covering compliance, materials, supply and claims before Q1 2027.

About Berlin Packaging | BlueSky

Berlin Packaging |BlueSky helps brands turn regulatory change into practical packaging decisions. As fees, tax rules and claims standards shift, the right choices need to happen earlier – around material, recycled content, closure compatibility and supply continuity. This report is designed to support those decisions with clear, sourced guidance.

Packaging Outlook 2027

What's Changing in Packaging in 2027?

in this report

The regulatory changes, material trends and claims rules shaping UK packaging
brought together in one place

1.6x

80%

51%

10% PCR

1%

5 Changes Shaping Packaging in 2027

Who Is This Report For?

Budgeting for 2027 packaging costs, including EPR fees and Plastic Packaging Tax

Selling or shipping products into the EU

Reviewing the sustainability claims on your packaging

Moving ranges to PCR plastic, mono-material or aluminium

Who It's Designed For

Why Use This Report:

About Berlin Packaging | BlueSky

Further Reading

What our customers say

Download our

Sign up to receive...

Packaging Outlook 2027

What's Changing in Packaging in 2027?

in this report

The regulatory changes, material trends and claims rules shaping UK packaging brought together in one place

1.6x

80%

51%

10% PCR

1%

5 Changes Shaping Packaging in 2027

Who Is This Report For?

Budgeting for 2027 packaging costs, including EPR fees and Plastic Packaging Tax

Selling or shipping products into the EU

Reviewing the sustainability claims on your packaging

Moving ranges to PCR plastic, mono-material or aluminium

Who It's Designed For

Why Use This Report:

About Berlin Packaging | BlueSky

Further Reading

What our customers say

Download our

Sign up to receive...

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The regulatory changes, material trends and claims rules shaping UK packaging
brought together in one place