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As global environmental concerns rise and regulatory pressure increases, transitioning from a linear to a circular economy has become a strategic priority for businesses across industries. The circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize the reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials. One of the key regulatory tools helping industries transition toward this model is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that holds manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products—especially their post-consumer phase. This means that producers must not only ensure product safety and performance but also take care of the product's disposal, recycling, or reuse after it has been consumed.
Why is EPR Important for the Circular Economy?
EPR promotes waste reduction, resource efficiency, and Product Lifecycle Management. By making producers accountable for managing the environmental impacts of their products, EPR encourages better product design—such as easier-to-recycle packaging, reduced material use, and use of sustainable materials like biodegradable plastics or recycled content.
In effect, EPR helps close the loop in the product lifecycle, turning waste into a resource. It aligns well with circular economy principles, which aim to keep materials and products in use for as long as possible while reducing pollution and environmental damage.
Current regulatory updates on EPR
As of 2024–2025, Italy, France and several U.S. states have advanced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging waste, with the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) emerging as the primary Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) across multiple jurisdictions.
California: Approved the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) in January 2024. Final regulations expected by January 2026.
Colorado: Approved the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act in May 2023.Draft plan submitted February 2025, with public comment and review ongoing. Program expected to launch in 2026.
Maryland:In October 2023, CAA was selected to represent producers on the State Producer Responsibility Advisory Council. The council will submit EPR recommendations by December 1, 2024.
Minnesota: Under the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, MPCA confirmed CAA’s registration as PRO on February 18, 2025. Producers must join a registered PRO by July 1, 2025.
Oregon: Under the Recycling Modernization Act, CAA was the only applicant to submit a program plan by April 1, 2024. Full EPR program to launch on July 1, 2025. Producers must report 2024 packaging data to the PRO by March 31, 2025.
France- From January 2022, according to the Anti-Waste & Circular Economy Law, sellers offering their goods in France must comply with the new Extended producer responsibility (EPR) rules.
Key EPR Requirements
Under EPR frameworks, producers must:
- Register with national or regional authorities.
- Finance collection and recycling of used packaging or products.
- Report annually on product volumes and recycling efforts.
- Comply with eco-design and labeling rules to inform end-users on disposal methods.
Meet Recycled Content Standards and recyclability targets, as required under regulations like the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).
In the EU, for instance, companies must ensure that their packaging is recyclable by 2030 and meets recycled content targets. Similar Circular Economy Regulations are emerging globally, to ensure EPR Compliance as a critical requirement across industries.
Industries Impacted by EPR
While EPR regulations initially focused on packaging waste, they now extend to electronics, batteries, textiles, and even pharmaceuticals. For example:
- Healthcare: EPR helps manage Pharmaceutical Waste EPR and encourages sustainable packaging for medical products.
- Consumer goods: Manufacturers must redesign products and packaging to be more recyclable or reusable.
- Cosmetics and personal care: Companies are investing in post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials and eco-labeling.
Conclusion
EPR is not just a compliance tool—it is a strategic opportunity for companies to become sustainability leaders. By integrating EPR into their operations, businesses can reduce environmental impact, enhance brand reputation, and contribute meaningfully to the global shift toward a circular economy.
Freyr empowers companies to meet EPR requirements and embrace sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.
Freyr helps companies effectively implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by providing expert guidance on global packaging regulations and circular economy standards. From assessing packaging recyclability to ensuring regulatory compliance, Freyr supports businesses in adopting sustainable practices, meeting Producer Responsibility Obligations, and maintaining market access with confidence.
Freyr ensures Sustainable Packaging Compliance by supporting sustainable packaging innovation, helping businesses shift toward biodegradable materials, Digital Product Passport EU, and compliance with the EU Green Deal.
