Published 2026-07-25 · Last updated 2026-07-25 · 6 min read
For UK Report Packaging Data files, every plastic (PL) row for household (HH) or public-bin (PB) packaging must set packaging_material_subtype to exactly Rigid or Flexible. This is a hard validation rule in the RPD file spec — not optional metadata. Shopify sellers who only store “plastic” without a subtype will generate UK CSV rows that fail portal validation.
Rigid plastic is packaging that keeps a fixed shape (tubs, bottles, trays). Flexible plastic is film, pouches, wrap, and bags that bend or fold. DEFRA’s RPD schema uses these two values so eco-modulation and recycling pathways can be assessed correctly for household and public-bin streams.
| Packaging type | Material maps to UK PL? | Subtype required? |
|---|---|---|
| HH (household) | Yes | Yes — Rigid or Flexible |
| PB (public bin) | Yes | Yes — Rigid or Flexible |
| Other packaging types | Yes | Check current RPD guidance for your activity |
When a packaging layer is plastic and the UK report is for household or public-bin packaging, Packaging Setup asks for a plastic subtype (Rigid / Flexible) per layer. The UK CSV generator writes that value into packaging_material_subtype so the file matches the RPD validation rules shipped in the app.
Is PET vs PP the same as Rigid vs Flexible?
No. Resin codes (PET, PE, PP, etc.) describe polymer chemistry. UK packaging_material_subtype for PL is specifically Rigid or Flexible. Spain ECOEMBES resin fields are a separate, optional mapping in the app.
What if my SKU has both a rigid tub and a film lid?
Use multi-layer mapping: one plastic Rigid layer for the tub and one plastic Flexible layer for the film, each with its own weight.
Where can I read the wider UK EPR guide?
See the UK country page and the earlier UK EPR Shopify guide on this site for thresholds, RPD portals, and reporting cadence.
Map plastic subtypes once, then export UK EPR CSV with Rigid/Flexible filled correctly. Shopify billing approval is shown before any paid subscription starts.
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