The new UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations require producers to track and report packaging data in far greater detail than before. Companies must declare the type and volume of packaging they place on the market, whether it is household or non-household, and how it is labelled and sorted for recycling. This creates a significant reporting burden, particularly where suppliers provide fragmented or inconsistent data across different SKUs. Many organisations are currently relying on manual processes to compile reports, which can take up to 60 hours each month. Non-compliance or errors in reporting can result in fines ranging between £10,000 and £50,000 annually, making accuracy and efficiency essential.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that most traditional ERP systems are not designed to capture packaging-specific attributes such as recyclability, weight, material type, or whether the packaging is subject to plastic tax. Supplier onboarding is often inconsistent, and varying data formats make integration difficult. Spreadsheet-based reporting not only increases the risk of human error but also lacks audit-ability, which is critical for regulatory compliance. Existing solutions fail to provide a centralised, reliable way to manage packaging data, leaving companies exposed to both financial and operational risk.