Brussels, 27 May 2025
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a cornerstone of the European Union’s approach to sustainable waste management and circular economy policy. As the European Commission prepares the upcoming Circular Economy Act, it is critical to reinforce EPR’s role in achieving environmental objectives. The success of EPR depends on maintaining its integrity, ensuring fairness, and adapting to emerging challenges such as online sales and evolving consumer behaviour.
EXPRA presents the following recommendations to guide EU policymakers in securing a circular economy that is efficient, equitable, and sustainable:
🔑 Safeguarding the Integrity of Extended Producer
🌍 Responsibility Transitioning EPR Systems to the SGEI Regime
🛒 Enhancing Transparency and Accountability in Online Sales
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Consumer and Citizen Engagement
🌱CO2 Performance Benchmarking for Waste Management Measures
⚖️ Ensuring Fair and Neutral Treatment of Producers and Manufacturers
♻️ Neutral Treatment of Commodities and Technologies
These recommendations aim to ensure that EPR remains a strong, effective driver of the EU’s circular economy goals. Maintaining the industry-led nature of EPR, ensuring transparency and accountability — especially in online sales — and fostering public engagement are critical steps. Equally important is the need to benchmark policies against CO2 performance and ensure fair, neutral treatment of all producers and materials. EU legislators have an opportunity to secure a future where EPR systems not only manage waste effectively but also promote sustainable growth, innovation, and climate responsibility.