Extended Producer Responsibility

In order to transform the packaging industry, we must first take responsibility.

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds manufacturers responsible for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their entire life cycle.

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The Illusion of Recycling: Confronting Our Plastic Waste Crisis

We’ve been told recycling is the answer, but without taking responsibility for our plastic waste, we are only contributing to the crisis.

How Does Extended Producer Responsibility Work?

**1. Product design**
Manufacturers are encouraged to design products that are more environmentally friendly, durable, and easier to recycle.
**2. Funding Mechanisms**
Manufacturers may be required to pay fees or contribute to a fund that finances the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products.
**3. Take-Back Programs**
Manufacturers may be required to establish take-back programs for their products.
**4. Recycling and Disposal**
Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are properly recycled or disposed of at the end of their useful life.
**5. Reporting and Monitoring**
Manufacturers are required to report on the environmental impact of their products to ensure compliance with EPR regulations.

Turning the Tide on Plastic Waste: Unlocking Solutions with Global North’s Effective EPR Approach

The only way to incentivize producers to create less waste is to place financial responsibility on them for the recovery and recycling of the waste they create. Effective EPR in the global north is the answer to plastic pollution.

How California’s Economy Shapes Companies and Communities Worldwide

The rules for taking part in the California economy (the fifth largest in the world) will impact companies and communities far beyond the Golden State’s borders.

California’s New Plastic Pollution and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

The most ambitious packaging EPR program ever passed.

SB 54 (Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022) requires the following by 2032
100% of packaging in California to be recyclable or compostable
25% cut in plastic packaging
65% of all single-use plastic packaging to be recycled
Authored by Senator Ben Allen, Senate Bill 54 includes the launch of a sweeping new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 54 into effect on June 30 2022. This bill, also known as the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, addresses California’s broken recycling system. As California takes action, other states will have to adapt in order to participate in the state’s economy. Learn about the five key takeaways of this bill and how its implementation will determine its success.

Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)

PROs are established by manufacturers themselves or by government agencies to ensure EPR programs are effectively implemented and that manufacturers comply with EPR.

Anyone who sells packaging into the state of CA must join the PRO and pay the agreed upon rates for packaging that the PRO says. This is how the PROs will raise funds that go into improving recycling programs and composting systems.

Atlantic Packaging takes a seat at the table to inform this process.

Caroline James, Director of Sustainability at Atlantic Packaging stresses the importance of implementing packaging EPR. The success of California, and the United States by extension, affects the world’s outlook. While EPR introduces many opportunities ahead, it also challenges us with hurdles. This is the time for us to come together as a community and tackle these hurdles. Quite literally, our future depends on it.

How to Prepare for the New Future of Extended Producer Responsibility

Look for opportunities to reduce packaging waste by optimizing packaging and using less material
Invest in recyclability and compostability
Document optimization and material substitution work you’ve already done

More than one hundred companies endorse the EPR approach to packaging, including:

Let us help you prepare for the upcoming legislation

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One of the challenges that startups face is high expenses during the early stages of implementing an EPR system.

Implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system can present a significant challenge for startups, particularly during the early stages, due to the high expenses associated with its implementation.

One of the benefits is the creation of long-lasting job opportunities.

Recovery, processing, and material preparation
Remanufacturing new products from recycled materials
Supporting reuse and repair businesses
Waste producers pay
Improves effectiveness
Incentivizes recycling innovation
Encourages design for recyclability

Extended Producer Responsibility Examples

Packaging

EPR programs for packaging materials, such as plastic bottles, require producers to pay fees that fund the collection and recycling of this material.

Cars

EPR programs for cars can encourage manufacturers to design vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, as well as ensuring they are properly disposed of at the enf of their useful life.

Batteries

EPR programs for batteries are designed to ensure they are properly collected and recycled to prevent the release of hazardous materials.

Electronics

Many countries have implemented EPR programs for electronic waste which can be difficult and expensive to recycle.