The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), along with the Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN), which lead the EPR task force known as ‘PRO’ have announced former director for circular packaging not-for-profit OPRL Limited.
The PRO, which was announced last year, is being established by packaging producers across all the sectors covered by EPR to ensure that the fees raised by producers drive an increase in recycling rates.
The organisation will act on behalf of producers to ensure their views are represented in the scheme, driving improvements in recycling, including supporting local authorities, and attracting investment into recycling infrastructure.
As head of the PRO, Karen Graley will work with PackUK, obligated producers from relevant sectors, and key stakeholders across the UK’s four governments to set up the PRO and ensure it achieves its purpose of delivering a circular economy for packaging. She will also manage the PRO Steering Committee.
“Industry leadership is critical to the success of the EPR scheme, so Karen’s appointment is a big step towards unlocking its potential and building a truly circular economy, which producers want and need,” commented Jim Bligh, director of corporate affairs and packaging at the FDF.
Graley has already played a role in shaping the development of the UK’s EPR scheme, sitting on the EPR Interim Steering Group, which was created to support the mobilisation of the scheme and formation of the scheme’s administrator, PackUK. She was also previously on the Government’s Advisory Committee for Packaging.
She brings 30 years of experience leading strategies, innovation and delivery across major UK retailers including Safeway and Waitrose, and most recently in her role as head of packaging at Marks and Spencer.
Alongside spearheading packaging innovation for these national retailers, Graley is also a founding member of the of directors for the On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme.
“I am truly honoured to be appointed as the head of the PRO at this pivotal moment for the future of the UK’s recycling system,” Graley said on her appointment.
“The PRO’s success hinges on collaboration between producers, industry stakeholders, local authorities, and the wider community. I look forward to working together with all these partners to drive collaboration so we can achieve the shared goals of improving recyclability and ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.”
