Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
At Reconomy, we equip businesses to navigate environmental regulations seamlessly through our integrated services, expert guidance, and data-driven solutions, simplifying compliance while propelling sustainability objectives.
Book a consultationWhat is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that assigns the environmental impact of products and goods to their producers. It mandates that manufacturers, importers, producers, and brand owners take comprehensive responsibility and report the entire lifecycle of their products and goods, from design and production to end-of-life waste management. This approach is in need and instrumental in advancing a circular economy by reducing waste, preserving resources, and fostering sustainable innovation.
Who is affected by EPR regulations?
Any business involved in the manufacturing, importing, selling, or branding of regulated products are subject to environmental obligations and need to act now. Specific requirements and need will vary by country and scheme, but commonly affected areas include:
- EPR Packaging – Encompassing plastics, paper, glass, metals, and composites.
- Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) – Covering devices, appliances, and batteries.
- Textiles – Including clothing, footwear, and home textiles.
- Automotive Components – Ensuring responsible end-of-life disposal of vehicle parts.
Navigating these obligations can be intricate, but Reconomy’s Comply Loop, an integrated global solution, offers seamless reporting, regulatory updates, and expert consultancy to keep producers ahead of evolving environmental laws and any new scheme arriving.
Affected parties and required actions
Under EPR regulations, businesses that place packaging materials on the market are considered producers and will need to report and take specific actions to meet compliance.
This includes:
- Manufacturers – Responsible to report on designing packaging that meets recyclability standards and reporting data on material usage.
- Importers – Must report all packaging associated with imported goods and ensure compliance within the respective country.
- Retailers and brand owners – Liable to report all packaging placed on the market under their brand name, even if the products or are sourced from third-party manufacturers.
How to achieve EPR compliance
Enrolling with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Submitting packaging and material usage reports through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).
Paying business fees based on packaging materials and recyclability levels.
Undergoing new audits and ensuring adherence to national laws.
A regulatory approach designed to promote the need for new sustainable production practices.
Reconomy streamlines compliance with tailored solutions that reduce administrative burdens, ensuring efficient and cost-effective adherence to new and existing regulations.
EPR servicesOrganisational responsibilities under EPR
EPR responsibilities vary significantly depending on the size and structure of an organisation. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimising sustainability strategies.
Differentiating responsibilities based on organisation
- Large enterprises – Typically subject to full EPR requirements, including detailed reporting, payment of modulated fees, and engagement in national take-back schemes. These organisations often require robust data management systems and strategic compliance solutions to meet complex multi-market obligations.
- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – Some regions offer exemptions or simplified reporting requirements for SMEs based on turnover, production volume, or material usage. However, even smaller organisations must stay informed about their obligations and ensure compliance where required.
Reconomy supports organisations of all sizes by providing scalable compliance solutions tailored to their specific needs. Our digital compliance tools streamline reporting processes, ensuring organisations can efficiently meet regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities of organisations operating as part of a group
For organisations that are part of a larger corporate structure, EPR responsibilities can vary based on operational setup:
- Parent companies and subsidiaries – While parent organisations may oversee compliance at a corporate level, subsidiaries must also ensure adherence to local regulations. Centralised compliance management can help maintain consistency and efficiency across multiple entities.
- Franchise and licensing models – Compliance responsibilities may fall on either the brand owner or individual franchisees, depending on contractual agreements and regional legislation.
- Multi-market operations – Companies operating in multiple countries face varying EPR obligations and must adopt a strategic approach to ensure consistent compliance across all markets.
Compliance schemes and packaging design
Our network provides full producer guidance with in-country Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy , enabling our partners to fulfil their producer obligations efficiently. Instead of managing multiple schemes, our partners can rely on Reconomy for a unified, global approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy.
Our tech-enabled platforms streamline data collection from different jurisdictions, ensuring full transparency and simplified reporting. Whether leveraging our in-house PROs or collaborating with trusted schemes, we customise solutions to align with each country’s specific Extended Producer Responsibility requirements.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) can be simplified through a third-party compliance scheme, which manage obligations on behalf of businesses.
Through Reconomy’s specialist comply brands we offer comprehensive compliance and waste management services, including:
Data collection and reporting – Ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
Regulatory updates – Keeping businesses informed on legislative changes.
Eco-contribution optimisation – Reducing costs through waste and material efficiency strategies.
Collection and recycling solutions – Enabling closed-loop waste and resource recovery.
Reconomy has managed over 3 million tonnes of waste, aiding businesses in advancing their circularity goals.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) catalyses sustainable packaging innovation. Businesses can reduce fees and enhance compliance by optimising packaging for recyclability, minimising waste, and utilising eco-friendly materials.
Reconomy offers Recyclability Assessments, assisting businesses in aligning with the UK’s pEPR (EPR for packaginag) framework and Plastic Packaging Tax regulations by evaluating:
Material composition and compatibility with existing recycling infrastructure.
Presence of contaminants that hinder recyclability.
Availability of sorting and recycling facilities across key markets.
Over 200,000 product lines have been analysed by Reconomy’s data experts to improve recyclability, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices.
Future development and updates in EPR
As EPR regulations continue to evolve, your business must stay informed about future policy changes, consultations, and regulatory timelines. Governments worldwide are refining EPR frameworks, introducing new reporting requirements, and adjusting compliance deadlines.
Upcoming consultations and stakeholder engagement
New development of this legislation is enabling:
- Opportunities for businesses to participate in shaping future EPR policies through industry consultations.
- Government-led discussions on eco-modulated fees and incentives for sustainable packaging.
- Stakeholder engagement sessions focusing on data transparency and harmonisation of reporting standards across jurisdictions.
Regulatory changes and postponed timelines
- Updates on EPR implementation timelines, including any postponements or modifications in reporting requirements.
- Insights into upcoming legislative development and amendments and their impact on affected industries.
- Guidance on adapting compliance strategies to meet new regulations development efficiently.
- Reconomy is committed to keeping our partners ahead of these changes, offering real-time updates and strategic support to help businesses navigate evolving EPR landscapes.
Global Compliance Solutions: Simplifying Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
At Reconomy, we specialise in helping businesses navigate the complexities of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) development across multiple regions. Through our extensive Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) network, we offer seamless, cross-border compliance solutions, reducing the administrative burden for companies operating in multiple markets.
Partner with Reconomy for a comprehensive strategy that ensures compliance, optimises waste and resource efficiency, and supports development towards a more circular economy.
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Close the gapFAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive on the topic:
This will vary depending on the relevant EPR scheme in place. Here is an outline:
Packaging:
It is usually necessary to provide detailed data regarding packaging materials, inclusive of their weights and types (household or non-household), as well as their classification (primary, secondary, etc.). Additionally, information on the distribution and disposal locations of the packaging may sometimes be required.
Batteries:
As part of a scheme, it will be necessary to include weights and chemistries In your data to ensure the relevant information is being captured.
WEEE:
You will be required to record weight, category and units.
Modulated fees depend on the scheme in place, and the amount and type of packaging. Some countries adjust modulated fees in their scheme based on recyclability and recycled content.
Penalties include fines, legal action, reputational damage, and potential market bans for non-compliant products or goods that pose environmental harm.
EPR systems vary by country in scope, timelines, and requirements. Packaging EPR is widespread in Europe, but new EPR systems for other products and goods are now being added across different markets.
A business can comply by:
- Work with compliance consultants to assess their obligations by country
- Collaborate with partners and suppliers
- Use innovative data tools
EPR data collection aids a business in regulatory compliance, informed packaging decisions, and sustainability reporting.
This involves assessing:
- Material composition and its compatibility with current recycling infrastructure
- Contaminants that hinder recyclability
- Availability of collection and sorting facilities across the UK
- Compliance with pEPR and Plastic Packaging Tax regulations
- Material composition and recycling compatibility
Modulated fees are structured to incentivise sustainable packaging choices. Producers pay fees based on:
- Material recyclability – Lower fees for materials that are widely recyclable and have established collection systems.
- Recycled content – Discounts for packaging that incorporates post-consumer recycled materials.
- Environmental impact – Higher fees for packaging that is difficult to recycle or contains hazardous substances.
Reconomy’s EPR Consultancy Services provide tailored guidance to help businesses and producers optimise their packaging choices, minimise costs, and enhance sustainability through data-driven decision-making.
