EDANA, the international association representing the nonwovens industry, has joined a group of trade organisations calling on the UK government to examine the combined cost and administrative impact of packaging regulations on businesses.
In an open letter dated 15 October 2026, the organisations warned that overlapping reporting requirements, taxes and compliance costs could affect manufacturers, supply chains and consumer prices.
The letter was coordinated by the British Brands Group and signed by representatives from sectors including nonwovens, absorbent hygiene products, plastics, cosmetics, food and packaging.
Industry Seeks a Coordinated Approach
The signatories said they support reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing recycling and ensuring that producers contribute to the management of packaging waste.
However, they argued that different measures—including Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), the Plastic Packaging Tax and Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs)—can create overlapping financial and reporting obligations.
According to the letter, businesses must manage different deadlines, payment bodies and data requirements, adding administrative costs alongside the direct cost of compliance.
The organisations also pointed to the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which they said will affect companies placing products on the Northern Ireland market or exporting to the EU.
Relevance for Nonwovens and Hygiene Products
EDANA’s participation brings the concerns of the nonwovens sector into a wider discussion affecting packaged consumer and industrial products.
Packaging requirements are relevant to companies supplying products such as wipes and absorbent hygiene items, where manufacturers must consider packaging design, material selection, reporting and end-of-life obligations.
The letter was also signed by the Absorbent Hygiene Products Manufacturers’ Association, reflecting the interest of the hygiene sector in how the different measures operate together.
Concerns Over Costs and Consumer Prices
The signatories warned that higher compliance costs may affect business competitiveness and could eventually be passed through supply chains to consumers.
The letter includes examples provided by businesses facing increased administrative requirements and higher costs associated with packaging recovery obligations. It also argues that smaller brands may have limited resources to investigate alternative packaging solutions.
The organisations asked the government to assess whether the combined cost of the measures is proportionate to their environmental benefits and to improve alignment between the different regimes.
They also requested greater certainty for businesses planning long-term investments in packaging and recycling.
