Pet Care Packaging EPR Compliance
From pet food pouches to treat bags and accessory packaging, pet care businesses have significant EPR obligations.
Pet Care EPR: What You Need to Know
Pet care packaging presents a particular EPR challenge due to the prevalence of multi-material flexible pouches — the laminated packaging used for wet pet food. These pouches typically combine layers of PET, nylon, aluminium, and PE into a single structure that cannot be easily separated for recycling.
Under EPR, multi-layer laminates containing aluminium are classified as fibre-based composite packaging, which attracts the highest fee rate at £461/tonne for 2025-2026. This means pet food companies using laminate pouches face significantly higher EPR costs than those using steel cans (£44/tonne) or plastic-only packaging (£423/tonne).
From 2026-2027, fees will be modulated based on the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Laminate pouches are likely to be classified as "not yet recyclable," potentially attracting even higher modulated fees. Pet care businesses should consider their packaging material strategy in light of these upcoming changes.
See also our guides for food & drink and e-commerce packaging.
Common Pet Care Packaging
These are the key packaging types you need to track and report for EPR compliance in the pet care sector.
Flexible Pouches
Multi-layer laminate pouches for wet pet food. Often aluminium-lined — classified as multi-material or fibre-based composite packaging.
Dry Food Bags
Large PP or PE bags for dry kibble, often 2-15kg. Significant plastic tonnage per unit. Include any ziplock closure.
Tin Cans
Steel cans for wet pet food. Include the label (paper) and any plastic lid as separate packaging components.
Treat Bags
Small resealable bags for treats and chews. Usually PP or PE with printed graphics and ziplock closures.
Accessory Blister Packs
PET/PVC blister packs for toys, collars, and accessories. Multi-material with card backing — report separately.
Shipping Cases
Corrugated cases and shrink wrap for wholesale and e-commerce distribution. Report card and plastic separately.
What You Need to Do
As a pet care 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 primary packaging (pouches, cans, bags, treat packs)
- Correctly classify multi-material packaging (laminate pouches)
- Report can labels separately from the can itself
- Include transit and display packaging in calculations
- 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 Pet Care Compliance Mistakes
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that catch out pet care businesses every year.
Misclassifying laminate pouches
Multi-layer pet food pouches combining plastic and aluminium are classified as fibre-based composite or multi-material — NOT just plastic. The fee rate for fibre-based composite is £461/tonne, the highest category.
Underreporting large bag weights
A 10kg dry food bag might use 80-120g of plastic. Across thousands of units, this is significant tonnage. Use actual bag weights from suppliers.
Forgetting can labels
Paper labels on steel cans are a separate packaging component. Report the paper label weight under paper/card and the steel can under steel.
Missing point-of-sale displays
Cardboard display units, shelf trays, and promotional stands provided to retailers are your packaging obligation.
Pet Care EPR Questions
Common questions about packaging EPR for pet care businesses.
What EPR category are laminate pet food pouches?
Multi-layer pouches containing aluminium are classified as fibre-based composite packaging, attracting the highest EPR fee rate of £461/tonne. Pouches without aluminium (plastic-only laminates) are classified as plastic at £423/tonne.
Are treat bags the same as food bags for EPR?
They are both plastic packaging, but you should track them separately as they have different weights per unit. Treat bags (10-50g of plastic) vs dry food bags (80-120g) — accurate per-SKU weights are important for compliance.
How do I report steel pet food cans?
Report the steel can body under steel material, the paper label under paper/card, and any plastic lid or seal under plastic. Each is a separate packaging component for EPR reporting.
Do I need to report packaging for imported pet products?
Yes. If you import pet food or accessories from overseas, you are the obligated importer for all packaging on those products. Get accurate packaging specifications from your suppliers.
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