EPR: At the core of plastic pollution control

As plastic pollution continues to soar, extended producer responsibility (EPR) is becoming an increasingly important policy tool to mitigate this crisis. Through EPR, the operational logistics and costs of managing waste are placed firmly on the producers, creating a financial incentive for them to create and manage their products and packaging in more sustainable ways. It is an important weapon in the fight against plastic pollution, and the reason TOMRA has included it in their 10 recommendations for the UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution: "Adopt well-designed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for plastic packaging. Mandatory EPR will provide a long term and sustainable financing mechanism for infrastructure investments to collect, sort, and recycle plastic waste, as well as incentivize producers to choose and manage their packaging more sustainably."

EPR with eco-modulated fee structures are an essential part of an effective Treaty on Plastic Pollution, as they can incentivize innovation and investment in the sustainable design of products and packaging, by prioritizing the waste hierarchy: reduction, reuse, sortability, and recyclability. Governments, through ambitious EPR targets, can establish a robust framework to advance plastic circularity and responsible waste management.

Successful EPR schemes for packaging: deposit return systems

Deposit return systems are one type of EPR scheme and are a proven global best practice for beverage containers. Under this system, consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a beverage container, which is refunded when they return the empty container to a designated collection point, usually the retailer. This process instills value in waste by attaching a meaningful deposit to it. Demonstrated by the notable success of Germany's 98% collection rate, regulated deposit return systems consistently achieve collection rates exceeding 90%. Importantly, these systems are versatile, effectively handling both single-use and refillable beverage containers.

This is why TOMRA recommends introducing "well-designed deposit return systems legislation for beverage containers combined with a 90% separate collection target." A well-mandated, full-cost EPR scheme, such as a deposit return system, is an extremely important tool for the Treaty, as it will decrease the amount of plastic that lands in nature, as approximately 20%-25% of items found during beach cleanups are beverage container related. Beyond mitigating environmental impact, this scheme actively promotes circularity, boasting a proven potential of 80% bottle-to-bottle recycling. Additionally, the scheme's positive impact extends to engaging and uplifting waste pickers, reinforcing its multifaceted contribution to sustainable waste management.

Optimizing EPR implementation for consumer packaging

Introducing a deposit return system for beverage containers during the initial implementation of EPR for packaging offers distinct advantages. Beverage containers operate independently within a separate value chain, sidestepping reliance on municipal waste management systems. This autonomy contrasts with other plastic packaging types, where efficient EPR systems hinge on collaboration with broader municipal solid waste management.

Municipalities traditionally manage general waste tasks like collection, sorting for recycling, processing, disposal, and cleanup. For optimal performance and cost efficiency, a holistic waste management strategy encompassing plastic waste is crucial. Producers of plastic packaging must shoulder the responsibility for meeting EPR targets and covering costs associated with sustainable end-of-use packaging management.

Essential to success is aligning targets and requirements for municipal solid waste management with EPR goals. EPR for plastic packaging should seamlessly integrate into the broader EPR framework for packaging across materials. This integration reduces the risk of unintended consequences and promotes a just transition. It also presents an opportunity to engage and support waste pickers, acknowledging their vital role in the waste management ecosystem.

Explore our five key design principles for high-performing EPR schemes.