Since 1990 EPR has been introduced and enforced in many countries around the world. First proposed by Thomas Lindhqvist, a Swedish academic, who theorized that by passing the responsibility of a product’s entire life cycle, with a focus on the recyclability and alternatives, companies would endeavour to reduce the environmental impact of their products to qualify for bonuses offered as an incentive to comply with EPR.

What is EPR?

EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a broad term used to group regulations with the objective of reducing packaging waste.

Why is EPR the best method to recycle plastics?

    1) Environmental Consideration

Whilst EPR includes all forms of packaging, it is particularly effective for the recyclability of plastics. Plastics are incredibly widespread, and it is surprisingly difficult to avoid them in day-to-day life.
By making manufacturers responsible for the product’s entire life cycle:

• They are incentivised to work with governments to aid in the recyclability of their products

• Consumers will not be saddled with the cost of reduced recyclability

• It promotes the reuse of materials, heavily reducing single-use plastics

    2) Producer Funded Recycling Programs

When Manufacturers and producers of waste are incentivised or penalised based upon the recyclability of their product’s waste, it is in their interest to fund and improve recycling programs. This alleviates the cost of recycling for local governments and consumers by sharing the burden of waste collection, management and recycling between local governments and manufacturers, both of whom are served by the system being as efficient as possible.

    3) Economic Growth

Recycling is a quickly growing industry that is certain to become one of the largest industries as the world shifts to become more environmentally responsible.
Through governments, manufacturers, and producers of waste co-operating to increase the recyclability of products over the entire product life cycle we will begin to see:

• New and additional jobs at every step of the recycling chain

• Increased re-use of used materials

• Reduced use of landfills

• Improved waste collection & sorting schemes

As France and Germany continue to update their EPR regulations it can be hard to be certain you are fully EPR compliant. Here at TBA, we specialise in EPR regulations in France and Germany. Contact us today for the latest advice and guidance.
Contact TBA Global today for guidance, we specialise in all aspects of EPR across Europe and beyond.