EPR schemes: Current state and recommendations for improvement
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are an important tool for circularity advancement.
However, there is still considerable room for improvement in the form and scale of these schemes. To participate in the discussion on the future of EPR schemes as a crucial instrument for circular transformation, the Economic Incentives Leadership Group within the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform has prepared a white paper on “EPR schemes. Current state and recommendations for improvement”.
This paper briefly summarises the state of play by defining and describing EPR schemes, regulations behind them and the benefits they offer. The publication also moves beyond the status quo and looks into the future of EPR schemes. It sets out eight basic improvements to existing EPR forms:
- Reflecting the full environmental and social costs associated with products.
- Ensuring that the magnitude of the modulated fee drives change.
- Combating free-riding.
- Improving the governance of EPR schemes.
- Harmonising EPR rules.
- Combining the potential of EPR with other economic policies.
- Employing transparent and non-discriminatory tender procedures.
- Implementing ex post checks of the efficiency of EPR schemes.
These suggestions, along with the rationale for their implementation, could not only improve current EPR schemes but also lay the groundwork for further expansion. This will be a small but necessary step towards the circular transition that our economy, society and planet desperately need. The leadership group encourages you to read this white paper and participate in the discussion on EPR enhancement!