Today, three words rise to the forefront of all discussions related to packaging of consumer packaged goods (CPGs): extended producer responsibility (EPR).
State by state across America — and elsewhere across the globe — EPR legislation will serve as a catalyst for implementing truly circular economies for product packaging. Most EPR legislation to date has specifically targeted single-use plastic packaging, with some rulemaking including guidelines for other packaging materials, such as paper, metal, and glass.
As noted by the “Guide to EPR Proposals” published by GreenBlue, EPR is a legislative policy approach that assigns end-of-life responsibility to “producers” of CPGs. “This can include both financial responsibility and operational responsibility, though the amount and type may differ,” says GreenBlue. “Producers are required to provide funding and/or services that assist in managing covered products after the use phase.” Most EPR legislation defines the “producer” as the CPG manufacturer, or the owner of the trademarked brand offered to the public.