What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
A policy approach requiring producers to take responsibility for end-of-life management of their products. EPR schemes incentivise sustainable design and help fund recycling infrastructure.
Why it matters
UK EPR for packaging is being reformed to make producers pay the full cost of managing their packaging waste. This increases the financial incentive to reduce packaging weight, use recyclable materials, and design for end-of-life recovery.
Example
A drinks company calculates that its new EPR obligations will cost £120,000 per year based on current packaging. By switching to 100% recyclable mono-material packaging, the EPR fee drops by 40%, saving £48,000 annually while reducing packaging emissions.
Related terms
Circular Economy
An economic model that designs out waste through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. Circular economy principles help manufacturers reduce both material use and carbon emissions.
Packaging Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions from the production, use, and disposal of product packaging. Retailers can reduce packaging emissions through material substitution, lightweighting, and designing for recyclability.
Put your knowledge into practice
Start measuring your carbon footprint with EcoHedge. Connect your accounting software and get your first carbon report in hours.