Industry leaders argue that the reforms, which require them to pay for the collection and recycling of household packaging waste, will increase shopping bills and contribute to the cost of living crisis.
The reforms are set to come into effect in April 2024, but industry leaders have asked the government to delay their implementation.
This move has been criticized by environmental groups, who argue that delays will have negative consequences for the environment.
The government has faced challenges in implementing the reforms due to the
COVID-19 pandemic and political turmoil.
The Packaging Federation CEO, Dick Searle, criticizes the UK's new waste management system, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plan, as it is unclear how the people collecting waste from households will operate.
The government insists that the EPR will be implemented from 2024 and that they have been working closely with manufacturers, retailers, and packaging companies to shape future policy.