Here at New Forest Spring Water, we have had a flurry of calls from new customers in recent weeks. Bigger brands are signalling price rises. The reason is a new set of packaging fees that begin this autumn. We want to explain what is changing, who is affected, and why our prices will stay exactly the same.
What is changing in 2025
From October 2025, the UK is introducing Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging which in plain terms, it moves the cost of dealing with household packaging waste from councils to the businesses that put that packaging on the market. The government has confirmed the year one base fees, set by material and weight.
These rates will determine the invoices issued to large, obligated producers. Unsurprisingly, many national retailers and drinks brands expect a meaningful rise in costs, which is why some are already signalling price increases on bottled drinks in the months ahead.
Who has to pay
Not every business falls within the new packaging rules. Eligibility depends on a set of criteria markers, such as overall turnover and the amount of packaging a company places on the market. Large producers typically meet these thresholds and are therefore in scope for the fees. Smaller independents often do not. For customers, that distinction matters because bigger brands are more likely to face added costs that can flow through to shelf prices, while local suppliers like New Forest Spring Water are be able to keep pricing low.
Why our prices stay the same
As an independent spring water company, we sit outside the new packaging fee regime coming in this year, which means we are not being asked to add extra costs to every bottle we supply. That matters to us because we know pricing stability helps our customers plan with confidence, so we are keeping our prices exactly where they are and continuing to deliver the value you expect from us.
There is also a practical reason our costs stay sensible. We bottle at source in the New Forest and plan efficient delivery routes across the South, which keeps miles low, fuel use down and service reliable. Shorter journeys reduce emissions as well as overheads, so choosing a local supplier supports both your budget and the environment. It is a straightforward approach, but it reflects what we care about most, doing the right thing for our customers and our community while serving pure spring water you are proud to put on the table.
What this means for you
If you buy bottled water for a hotel, restaurant, café or venue you may see price pressure from national brands this year. Their packaging bills will rise under the new fees. Ours will not. That is one clear reason to switch to a local spring water partner.
Here is a simple summary for 2025.
- National brands above the scheme thresholds will receive invoices from October for the waste created by their household packaging. Many will pass these costs on through higher list prices.
- Local independents below the thresholds do not face these invoices. Prices can remain stable.
- The confirmed base fees by material include £192 per tonne for glass and £423 per tonne for plastic. That is a material cost shift for high volume national suppliers that rely on glass or plastic packaging.
A quick word to clear up a common confusion. The Plastic Packaging Tax is separate from the new EPR fees. The Plastic Packaging Tax has applied since 2022 to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content. Its 2025 rate is £223.69 per tonne. It does not apply to glass. EPR fees are different. They charge producers for the management of household packaging waste by material type, glass included.
Why buying local is the better choice
Price is not the only reason to choose a local spring water supplier.
Fewer miles, lower impact
Local deliveries cut transport emissions. Shorter routes mean fewer road miles and fewer fuel related costs. When you combine that with fully recyclable glass options and 100% rPET plastic for on-the-go formats, the footprint falls further. Good for your menu. Good for the planet.
Service you can count on
We are close by. We know the area. We plan deliveries around your stock levels and trading patterns. You get a reliable service with quick responses and friendly drivers. No call centres. No long lead times. Just a local team that cares.
Elegant presentation
Our bottles elevate any table setting. Still or sparkling. Glass or rPET. Sizes to suit service, from individual servings to larger formats.
Support your local economy
Buying local keeps value in the community. It sustains local jobs and skills. It keeps delivery spend in the region rather than sending it up and down the country.
Frequently asked questions about EPR and pricing
- Will EPR definitely increase prices across the board
The effect depends on whether a supplier is in scope of the scheme and how much packaging they place on the market. Big national brands are more exposed because they cross the thresholds and handle large packaging volumes. Many will pass on at least some of the new costs. - Will EPR change how we package or deliver your water
No. We will keep bottling at source in the New Forest, offering still or sparkling in glass or 100% rPET, all fully recyclable. Our delivery model remains local and efficient, which keeps miles low, emissions down and service reliable. You will see the same bottles on your tables, the same clean taste in every pour, and the same fair pricing you plan around. We will continue to review materials and routes to reduce impact further, but there is no change to the quality or consistency you receive from us. - Do I need to recycle your bottles differently because of EPR
No. Your usual routine stays the same. Please recycle our glass bottles and 100% rPET plastic bottles through your council’s standard collections, following local guidance. EPR changes who funds household recycling, not how you separate materials at home or in your venue. For trade customers using our larger dispenser formats, we collect and reuse containers as part of our service, which keeps waste down and supports a circular approach. - Are you sure you will not be charged under EPR
EPR obligations depend on turnover and the amount of packaging supplied. Businesses under £1 million turnover are outside the producer obligations. We are below that threshold, so we do not expect to receive EPR household packaging waste invoices in 2025.
The takeaway
Larger national brands are facing a new cost for managing the waste created by household packaging, a cost many will build into their list prices, which is why bottled drink prices may rise this year. As a local independent spring water supplier that sits below the scheme’s thresholds, New Forest Spring Water, will not receive these invoices, which means we can hold our pricing steady without compromising the quality or service you expect.
If you’re reviewing your bottled water supply, this is a good moment to do it because moving to a nearby producer can protect your margins while cutting delivery miles and emissions. We bottle at source in the New Forest then deliver on carefully planned routes across the South, so you benefit from fresher product, fewer transport miles, dependable schedules that fit your trading pattern. Our team can set you up with a trade account quickly, organise regular deliveries, provide clear pricing, make the changeover smooth from day one.
