EPR is here: What UK Supply Chain leaders need to know

October 2025 marks a major turning point for UK supply chains as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme officially comes into force. This long-anticipated regulation means the full cost of managing packaging waste now sits with producers, not local authorities or taxpayers, but the organisations placing packaging on the market.

We are seeing first-hand how this shift is driving new priorities, and new roles, across compliance, logistics, and sustainability functions.

According to Supply Chain Digital, the shift will fundamentally change how businesses across manufacturing, retail, and logistics manage compliance, data, and sustainability. But the ripple effects go far beyond reporting, they’re reshaping the skills and roles UK supply chains need to stay compliant and competitive.

EPR in a nutshell

The Extended Producer Responsibility scheme makes companies responsible for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their packaging.

In practice, that means:

• Higher costs for producers who fail to design for recyclability.
• Mandatory data reporting on packaging materials, tonnage, and end-of-life outcomes.
• Closer collaboration between producers, suppliers, and recyclers to manage reverse logistics effectively.

It’s not just another layer of environmental regulation, it’s a catalyst for operational change across UK supply chains.

Why it’s hot right now

EPR is shaking up traditional supply chain roles and creating urgent demand in three critical areas:

1. Compliance and Data Management

With stringent reporting obligations, companies need specialists who understand environmental compliance, audit processes, and traceability. The ability to gather, analyse, and act on accurate data will define success under EPR.

2. Reverse Logistics

Getting materials back from customers and recyclers is now just as important as getting products out to market. Professionals skilled in closed-loop systems, waste minimisation, and secondary material flows are becoming essential to operational efficiency and compliance.

3. Sustainability and Packaging Innovation

Packaging is under the microscope. Sustainability and packaging experts must collaborate to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and optimise materials, while maintaining brand impact and cost control.

These new requirements are exposing significant talent gaps across the UK market. Businesses that don’t act now risk being left behind as competition for skilled professionals intensifies.

Talent challenges ahead

The introduction of EPR is accelerating demand for roles that didn’t exist a decade ago:

• EPR Compliance Managers
• Reverse Logistics Managers
• Circular Economy Analysts
• Sustainable Packaging Designers

At the same time, established roles, from Procurement Leads to Supply Chain Managers are evolving to include environmental accountability and lifecycle thinking. The most in-demand professionals will be those who can bridge operational performance with sustainability impact.

How businesses can gain an advantage

1. Audit your workforce – Identify skills gaps in compliance, sustainability, and packaging data.

2. Upskill existing teams – Ensure your supply chain, procurement, and operations staff understand EPR reporting and reverse logistics.

3. Collaborate strategically – Build partnerships across packaging suppliers, recyclers, and logistics networks.

4. Invest in talent – Strengthen your team with professionals who bring both sustainability insight and supply chain expertise.

EPR is more than a compliance milestone - it’s a cultural shift for UK supply chains. Businesses that respond proactively will not only meet their obligations but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability and innovation.

At Cast UK, we specialise in connecting businesses with the people who can make that happen, from EPR compliance specialists and reverse logistics managers to sustainability strategists and packaging innovators.

If your organisation is preparing for EPR and needs to strengthen its sustainability or supply chain teams, get in touch with Cast UK.