Under the leadership of VALIPAC, and with strong support from CONAI, EKO KOM, EXPRA, EPRO, and EUROPEN, the final version of the position paper on the “Golden Rules” for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Commercial and Industrial (C&I) packaging has been officially published.
This comprehensive document provides essential guidance on how EPR systems can effectively address the unique challenges presented by C&I packaging waste. Unlike household packaging, C&I packaging varies greatly in quantity and quality, requiring tailored and flexible waste management solutions. The position paper emphasizes the importance of leveraging free market principles for collection services, allowing for customized approaches to meet the diverse needs of commercial and industrial waste producers.
The paper highlights several key principles for successful EPR implementation in C&I packaging, including:
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Flexible and Market-Based Collection: Encouraging a free market for C&I packaging waste collection while promoting cooperation between Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs), industry, and waste management companies.
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Targeted Interventions: PROs should intervene only where necessary to support sorting and recycling infrastructure without disrupting existing waste management operations.
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Cost-Effective Financial Management: Fees paid by producers should reflect a net cost approach that factors in revenues from reuse and secondary raw materials, ensuring fair and transparent financial contributions.
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Harmonized Reporting: Adoption of consistent data collection and reporting methodologies across Member States to reduce administrative burdens and enhance transparency.
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Traceability and Compliance: Strengthening information sharing and audit mechanisms to verify effective recycling and compliance throughout the recycling chain.
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Governance and Circularity: PROs must prioritize environmental outcomes over profit and strategically reinvest revenues to enhance packaging circularity in line with EU directives.
The paper also stresses the need for EPR schemes to support innovation, promote collaboration across the packaging value chain, and align with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) mandates, particularly as all packaging is required to be covered by an EPR scheme by the end of 2024.
This position paper represents the consensus of key industry players and stakeholders, reflecting discussions held at the Valipac-EXPRA Workshop on C&I Packaging in October 2024. It is now published on the organisations’ homepages and promoted through external channels.
Stakeholders and national representatives are encouraged to utilize this document as a reference for developing and refining their own EPR schemes for C&I packaging, advancing the goals of sustainability, circularity, and regulatory compliance across Europe.