Competition as a policy tool for effective EPR

In an era of growing environmental urgency and evolving producer demands, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) must adapt.

EPR  has successfully improved waste management over the past decades. However, recent changes in technologies, markets and business models require the principle to evolve to better support the transition to a circular economy. In a new white paper, Landbell Group outlines exactly what adjustments are needed.

After a brief introduction and overview of EPR’s achievements to date, and its success around the world, the paper details the key principles of an effective EPR framework and identifies where improvements are needed. These principles and recommendations are based on Landbell Group’s extensive experience in operating producer responsibility organisations (PROs) for various waste streams, and its role at the interface between producers, consumers, recyclers and municipalities over the past decades.

The principles that best support the transition to a circular economy are outlined in the paper as follows:

• A competitive environment (including between PROs) that releases positive market forces and fosters the implementation of innovative solutions
• Clear roles and responsibilities that enable all stakeholders to understand and act on their respective contributions to the circular economy
• Smart collection targets based on the quantities of waste available for collection
• Eco-modulation of fees to incentivise producers to design more sustainable products
• Effective enforcement and clearing mechanisms, and
• Investment in raising consumer awareness

The white paper ‘Refining Extended Producer Responsibility to Boost the Circular Economy’ is available here.

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