Obligated Tonnage
The total weight of packaging a producer handles annually, used to determine whether they meet the EPR threshold and to calculate the quantity of PRNs required and fees owed.
Obligated tonnage is the total weight (in tonnes) of packaging that a producer handles annually. This figure determines both whether the business is an obligated producer and the extent of their obligations.
Obligated tonnage is used for:
- Threshold determination — businesses handling over 25 tonnes (with qualifying turnover) are obligated
- Producer classification — over 50 tonnes = large producer
- PRN calculation — tonnage × recovery target percentage = PRNs needed
- Fee calculation — tonnage by material feeds into fee computations
Calculating obligated tonnage requires tracking all packaging across every activity type the business performs. This includes the weight of all packaging components — not just the main container but also labels, closures, sleeves, and void fill. Producers should implement systematic weighing and data collection processes. Many businesses underestimate their tonnage by overlooking minor packaging elements. See our obligated tonnage calculator.
Related Terms
Obligated Producer
A business that meets the legal thresholds for packaging tonnage and turnover, m...
Large Producer
A business handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging per year with turnover abov...
Small Producer
A business handling between 25 and 50 tonnes of packaging annually with turnover...
Waste Management Fees
The fees charged to producers under pEPR to cover the full net cost of collectin...
Packaging Recovery Note
A tradeable certificate issued by accredited reprocessors proving that a tonne o...
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