Visible tEPR charges on clothing
phase two: consumer purchase choices and policy implications
WEFT and Manchester Metropolitan University, supported by Back to Baselines, explored how 2,803 UK clothing shoppers respond to visible textile EPR (tEPR) charges at the point of purchase, building new evidence on how charging structures could shape behaviour and support a more effective tEPR. Drawing on conjoint analysis and real purchase scenarios, this paper shows that £0.50 is a critical tipping point and sets out why real-world retail testing should now be the next step.
Visible tEPR charges could play a powerful role in shaping how people buy clothing and how a future UK textiles EPR system is designed.
This white paper offers robust new evidence on the £0.50 tipping point in consumer behaviour and makes the case for real-world retail testing to help turn policy ambition into practical change.
Read the report to discover…
The £0.50 tipping point
Our research identifies £0.50 as the key threshold at which visible tEPR charges begin to influence clothing purchase decisions. Below this level, charges have limited impact on behaviour.
How shoppers make trade-offs
When visible charges increase, shoppers are more likely to switch products or reconsider whether to buy at all. The research shows how tEPR charges can shape choices in real purchase scenarios.
What matters most at purchase
Price, comfort and fit remain the strongest drivers of clothing choice. This report explores how visible tEPR charges sit alongside these existing consumer priorities.
Why retail testing comes next
The findings offer a strong evidence base for policy and industry. The next step is real-world testing to understand how visible tEPR charges work in practice across retail settings.
OUR PARTNERS
Collaborating for Sustainable Change
WEFT collaborates with industry partners to drive sustainable change and advocate for fair and balanced EPR systems globally. Together, we work towards a more environmentally responsible fashion and textiles sector.
