UK Packaging Pact
Transforming the UK's packaging system for people and planet
The UK Packaging Pact is the successor to The UK Plastics Pact - a world-first initiative that inspired a global network of Pacts now operating across every continent.
Building on seven years of collaboration, innovation and measurable impact, this new voluntary agreement expands our focus beyond plastics – supporting businesses to drive system-wide change across all packaging materials.
Our priorities
Four bold and interconnected goals designed to address system barriers and drive industry-wide transformation.
Goal 1:
Optimise Packaging
Eliminate problematic and unnecessary materials, increase recycled content, reduce virgin non-renewable resource use, and design for circularity.
Goal 2:
Scale Reuse & Refill
Build interoperable, standardised systems and citizen-friendly reuse models at scale.
Goal 3:
Support Circular Infrastructure Investment
Unlock and direct investment to close gaps in UK collection, sorting, recycling and reprocessing capacity.
Goal 4:
Harmonise Data
Simplify reporting to reduce data burdens and improve traceability for more impactful decision-making.
Materials in scope
Building on the legacy of the UK Plastics Pact
Seven years of impact demonstrating what is possible through collective leadership
“WRAP has built a reputation for forging collaborative partnerships which drive change around the world. We will unite partners in a shared network to access best practice and accelerate delivery.”
Tackling non-recyclable black plastics
Industry collaboration solved the problem of difficult-to-recycle, non-detectable black and coloured plastics by switching to detectable alternatives and creating new pigment standards, achieving a 99% reduction in non-detectable packaging.
Why join the Pact?
Cost savings
Cost–benefit analysis of the UK Plastics Pact found that every £1 invested delivered £5.23 in benefits, equated to £27m in savings.
Direct voice to government
Influence future regulation and shape EPR
Accelerate systems change
Collaborate to overcome barriers to circularity and go beyond compliance
Policy advantage
WRAP aligned with and supported by PackUK
Regulatory readiness
Practical support on Simpler Recycling, PPWR, and EPR
Pre-competitive collaboration
Share insights to accelerate innovation
Founding Members
