EPR – extended producer responsibility – is a strategy to protect the environment by making producers and importers responsible for the entire life cycle. Including the end-of-life phase of the products they market. By incorporating waste management costs into the product, manufacturers are encouraged to make more environmentally friendly design choices.

In the Netherlands, a legal EPR already applies to car tires and end-of-life vehicles, batteries and accumulators, electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, packaging and litter/disposable plastic. This legal producer responsibility is laid down in decisions or regulations. It is expected that, due to social and political pressure, an EPR will apply to more and more product groups, such as diapers and plastic in construction.

Pioneers take initiative

The industry repeatedly takes the initiative for an EPR system itself. Mattresses are an appealing example. Producers and importers who together account for a ‘significant majority’ of the total turnover can apply for a General Binding Declaration (AVV). An AVV means that paying a waste management contribution becomes mandatory for all players in a certain market. This obligation is intended to prevent so-called free riders. An AVV is valid for a maximum of 5 years. AVVs currently apply to packaging, flat glass, paper and cardboard, car tires, consumer mattresses, electrical and electronic appliances, cars, bicycle batteries and portable batteries and accumulators.

Collection and processing

A EPR sets goals for collection and sometimes also recycling. To achieve these goals, companies can individually or collectively set up a collection and processing system. A producer organization can implement these obligations on behalf of the affiliated parties. In addition, a UPV system can encourage design improvements with differentiated rates, which are based on ‘essential requirements’ in the field of eco-design.

Getting started with EPR?

Essential for the success of an EPR is both the support of parties in the chain and a good process supervisor. We support parties who want to get started with introducing a EPR or want to investigate the possibilities for this.

We start with an exploration of the value chain to analyze the opportunities for EPR and bring together all chain parties. Together we assess the desirability, feasibility and support for a UPV system and establish the preconditions.

We then determine joint objectives and identify which barriers need to be removed and what actions are required to achieve this. Consider developing processing technologies or collection systems. For example, we can set up pilot projects for this.

In the implementation phase, we help set up a producer organization and apply for a Generally Binding Declaration. Read more about the 13 success factors for a circular chain project.

Our experience with EPR projects:

• Quick scan EPR waste flows (packaging, batteries, electronics)
• Exploration of EPR floor covering
• Moonshot Floor Covering
• Preliminary exploration of EPR mattresses

Interested?

Curious about what we can do for your company, sector or product group? Contact Flora Poppelaars. Jos Vlugter or Siem Haffmans.

With this theme we contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations: