Hospitality & Catering Packaging EPR Compliance
Takeaway containers, delivery bags, and food service packaging all have EPR obligations for hospitality businesses.
Hospitality & Catering EPR: What You Need to Know
Hospitality businesses — restaurants, cafes, dark kitchens, and catering companies — face EPR obligations primarily through takeaway and delivery packaging. The growth of food delivery platforms has dramatically increased packaging volumes in this sector.
A key question for hospitality businesses is: when is something "packaging" versus "serviceware"? A takeaway container that the customer takes away and disposes of is packaging. A plate used for eat-in service that stays in the restaurant is serviceware (not packaging). However, single-use plates, bowls, and trays used for eat-in that are disposed of after use ARE packaging.
For 2025-2026, the base fees per tonne are: paper and card at £196 (card containers, paper bags), plastic at £423 (plastic containers, cups), aluminium at £50 (foil trays). Switching from plastic to card takeaway containers can significantly reduce EPR fees.
See also our guides for food & drink and bakeries and cafes.
Common Hospitality & Catering Packaging
These are the key packaging types you need to track and report for EPR compliance in the hospitality & catering sector.
Takeaway Containers
Card, plastic, or aluminium trays for takeaway food. Primary packaging — report by material type.
Delivery Bags
Paper or plastic bags for takeaway and delivery orders. Carrier bags have specific reporting requirements.
Drinks Cups
Paper cups with PE lining for hot drinks, and PET/PP cups for cold drinks. PE-lined paper cups are multi-material.
Cling Film & Foil
LDPE cling film and aluminium foil used in food preparation and service. Report under respective materials.
Sauce Sachets
Individual portion sachets for condiments. Typically multi-layer laminate — check material composition.
Cutlery Wraps
Paper napkin and plastic cutlery wrapping. Each component is packaging under EPR.
What You Need to Do
As a hospitality & catering business handling packaging, you have specific EPR obligations under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility scheme. Here is what you need to track and report to stay compliant.
- Track all takeaway and delivery packaging by material
- Report drinks cups with correct material classification
- Include condiment sachets and individual portions
- Record delivery bags and carrier bags
- Submit data to DEFRA via the RPD portal
- Pay EPR fees based on total packaging weight by material type
Do you need to comply?
You are obligated if your business:
- • Has an annual turnover exceeding £1 million
- • Handles more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year
- • Performs any of the obligated activities (manufacturing, importing, selling, hiring)
Even small producers below these thresholds must register as small producers under the Report Packaging Data (RPD) portal.
Common Hospitality & Catering Compliance Mistakes
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that catch out hospitality & catering businesses every year.
Volume underestimation
A busy restaurant or cafe can use thousands of takeaway containers per week. Annual volumes add up to significant tonnage — track daily usage.
PE-lined cup classification
Paper cups with PE lining are multi-material packaging, not just paper. The PE lining affects both recyclability classification and potentially fee rates.
Missing condiment packaging
Individual sauce sachets, sugar packets, and milk portions are all packaging. High daily volumes make these significant.
Not distinguishing eat-in vs takeaway
Packaging used for eat-in service (plates, trays) that is not disposed of by the customer may not be packaging under EPR. Takeaway packaging is always covered.
Hospitality & Catering EPR Questions
Common questions about packaging EPR for hospitality & catering businesses.
Are takeaway containers always packaging?
Yes. Any container provided to a customer for taking food away is packaging under EPR. This includes boxes, bags, cups, lids, and cutlery wrapping.
Are PE-lined paper cups recyclable?
PE-lined cups are technically recyclable at specialist facilities, but they are classified as multi-material for EPR purposes. The PE lining means they are not standard paper/card. Check the latest DEFRA guidance for fee implications.
Do I need to report packaging from my food suppliers?
No. Packaging on ingredients and supplies delivered to your kitchen is your supplier's EPR obligation. You only report packaging that you supply to your customers.
Are sauce sachets significant for EPR?
Yes. A busy restaurant might use 500-1000+ sachets per day. Over a year, this is substantial tonnage. Sauce sachets are often multi-layer laminate, which attracts higher fee rates.
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