Other Materials Packaging EPR Guide
Guide to EPR obligations for packaging made from other materials — textiles, ceramics, rubber, cork, and composites.
Fee Rate 2025-26
£196/tonne
UK Recycling Rate
Varies by specific material
Recyclability
Varies. Natural materials (cotton, cork) are biodegradable. Ceramics and composi...
Common Other Materials Packaging
The "other" category covers packaging materials that do not fit into the main categories (plastic, paper/card, glass, aluminium, steel, wood, fibre-based composite). The fee rate is £196/tonne for 2025-2026.
Common "Other" Materials
- Textile packaging — cotton bags, jute sacks, hessian wrapping. Common in fashion and premium retail.
- Natural cork — wine bottle closures. Lightweight per unit but significant volume in the drinks industry.
- Ceramic — packaging containers (e.g., ceramic spirit bottles). Rare but exists.
- Rubber — seals, gaskets, and stoppers on containers. Usually a minor component.
- Bamboo — increasingly used as a sustainable packaging alternative.
If you are unsure how to classify a packaging material, consult our EPR glossary or contact us for guidance. Correct classification ensures you pay the right fee rate and avoid compliance issues.
Modulated Fee Impact (RAM)
Other materials will be assessed individually under RAM. Natural, biodegradable materials may receive favourable treatment.
Sectors Using Other Materials Packaging
Other Materials EPR Questions
How do I classify textile packaging?
Textile packaging (cotton bags, jute sacks) falls under the "other" material category at £196/tonne. Report by weight, just like any other packaging material.
Are natural cork closures packaging?
Yes. Natural cork used as wine or spirits bottle closures is packaging. Report under the "other" material category.
What if my packaging is a material not listed?
Use the "other" category for any packaging material that does not fit plastic, paper/card, glass, aluminium, steel, wood, or fibre-based composite. The fee rate is £196/tonne.
Are bamboo-based packaging materials classified as wood?
Bamboo is technically a grass, not wood. It would typically be classified under "other" materials. However, DEFRA guidance on specific material classifications should be checked for edge cases.
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