The print and packaging sector has delivered a mixed response to the UK Government’s Autumn Budget, with businesses highlighting rising regulatory costs, ongoing labour pressures, and the absence of long-term incentives for investment in sustainable manufacturing.

Epson and the BPIF were among the first in the industry to share their thoughts on the budget, with Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 inviting leaders from across print, packaging, recycling, materials, and design to reflect on the government’s announcement.

The budget confirmed that the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) will rise in line with inflation and that requirements for recycled content will tighten over the coming years. For many in the sector, this crystallised concerns around higher overheads at a time when recycled polymers remain costly and UK reprocessing capacity continues to lag behind demand.

Regulation and cost pressures

Industry voices were quick to flag the continued strain created by the PPT. Robbie Staniforth, innovation and policy director at packaging compliance organisation, Ecosurety, said: “Sadly, there wasn’t enough in today’s budget to support the recycling and reuse of packaging in the UK. EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) alone will not drive the systems change required.”

Businesses also noted the missed opportunity to set out a clearer long-term tax roadmap. Gillian Garside-Wight, director of consulting at packaging sustainability advisory firm, Aura, said companies should expect stricter compliance expectations as consultations begin on mandatory certification for mechanically recycled packaging: “Businesses should review their exposure to PPT and collect more granular packaging data in order to stay compliant and limit any future liabilities,” she said.

The BPIF highlighted broader concerns around rising employment costs. CEO Charles Jarrold said the increases to mandatory wage rates “continue to cause real anxiety and concern for our members”, adding that taxing salary-sacrificed pension contributions “will see NI bills rise yet again”.

Skills, investment, and industrial strategy

Some measures were more positively received. The £1.5bn skills package and commitment to fully fund apprenticeships for under-25s were welcomed as steps towards tackling long-standing labour shortages. Thomas Glendinning of Sovereign Labelling Machines called for greater emphasis on British manufacturing, but noted that higher wage costs could accelerate automation uptake.

A wider strategic view came from Chris Jordan, partner, founder at Exedrabridge, a consultancy that works across print, packaging and design to support sustainable growth and commercial competitiveness. He said the budget underlined the divide between businesses able to adapt and those struggling to keep pace: “Those who are happy with change, can pivot, anticipate, and play what’s in front of them, and those who know how to sell and market themselves will reap the benefits. The huge majority, however, cannot, and so decline will continue.” He added that broader economic pressures remain a concern for print and packaging firms, noting that “the UK’s competitiveness and productivity are appalling, and the result is almost inevitable.”

However, Epson UK’s managing director, Duncan Ferguson, said the budget fell short of offering the long-term incentives needed to accelerate low-carbon investment: “Strengthening the UK’s industrial competitiveness requires more than short-term stimulus; it calls for long-term incentives that reward businesses investing in cleaner, smarter, and more efficient technologies and supply chains.”

Divided outlook

Reactions ranged from cautious optimism to open frustration. Luke Wilson, of packaging firm Facer, described the budget as “a mix of support and fresh burden”, while some manufacturers warned that rising taxes could restrict future growth. Others, including Biffa, welcomed the Government’s decision not to converge landfill tax rates and the forthcoming consultations on PRNs and recycled-content certification.

Across print and packaging, the overall viewpoints to a familiar balance: incremental support in some areas, offset by higher costs, and continuing uncertainty over the UK’s long-term industrial and sustainability strategy.