Dear Esteemed Readers,
We hope this EXPRA Newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits.
As autumn unfolds, EXPRA and its esteemed members have experienced a period of dynamic activity, marked by key milestones and focused initiatives that continue to shape the landscape of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Europe and beyond.
October was a particularly exciting month for our community, with a series of important events taking place. On October 16th, EXPRA had the honor of sponsoring and participating in the 42nd EiC Conference on Competition Law and the Circular Economy in Brussels. This conference proved to be a pivotal moment for discussion on the evolving interplay between European legislation, competition law, and sustainability goals. It offered a valuable opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, especially as we work to align competition laws with the urgent need for a green transition.
The following day, VALIPAC, the Commercial and Industrial PRO in Belgium, hosted an interactive workshop focusing on the future of EPR systems for commercial and industrial (C&I) packaging, bringing together a range of stakeholders from across Europe to share insights on best practices and future trends. This event, alongside EXPRA’s own panel discussion on enhancing EU waste legislation, underlined our commitment to improving the implementation of EU waste laws and supporting the circular economy.
In addition to these events, significant legal developments are making waves in the world of EPR. Notably, a favorable opinion from the Advocate General in the Interzero v. Slovenia case signals positive outcomes for Slovenia’s position and for the broader waste management sector.
Meanwhile, EXPRA has just released an important new document celebrating 30 years of EPR best practices, a testament to our collective progress and commitment to continuous improvement.
Looking beyond, global developments are also reshaping the future of environmental policy. With COP29 currently underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, and discussions around climate finance and equity taking center stage, the decisions made at this conference will undoubtedly influence our efforts to promote sustainable practices and improve recycling systems on a global scale.
We trust that this newsletter will provide you with valuable insights into these discussions and developments, as well as updates on the ongoing efforts of our members. Their dedication continues to drive innovation and sustainability, shaping not only European regulatory frameworks but also the global transition towards a more circular and sustainable economy.
We invite you to explore the full newsletter, featuring detailed articles, member highlights, and key upcoming events, all designed to deepen your understanding and engagement in the world of EPR, packaging, and recycling.
Warmest regards,
Your EXPRA Team
Joachim, Monika & Valeria