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Since its first adoption in the 1990s in Europe, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has proven to be a game-changer in waste management. With a profound impact on recycling rates, material efficiency and overall circularity, the policy has transformed the landscape of environmental sustainability. The concept, which holds producers, importers and brand owners accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, pushes them towards sustainable practices and waste reduction. 

Waste & Recycling magazine caught up with Sebastian Frisch, Senior Partner BlackForest Solutions GmbH,  Sreeram Madhumohan, Director of ESG Solutions, TransEuro Group, and Christophe Pautrat, Chief Operating Officer, Landbell Group, to delve into the benefits of EPR. The team, which is also consulting the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, shared insights into framing an effective EPR scheme, drawing from their practical experience across the globe. 

Germany’s success story

The discussion began with an exploration of how EPR originated, citing the example of Germany, which adopted the policy in 1991. Faced with the challenge of waste accumulation and the reluctance to burden citizens with additional taxes, the German government opted to engage the private sector through EPR, Sebastian Frisch explained. Speaking about the impact of the country’s pioneering efforts, he said it contributed to the successful phasing out of landfills for untreated municipal solid waste by 2005 and significantly improved the recycling rate. “At 67.5%, Germany has achieved one of the highest recycling rates in the world. This is possible also thanks to EPR implementation.” 

The country contributes to a circular economy with an impressive €100 billion turnover and 400,000 jobs. It collects over €1.5 billion annually through EPR, just for packaging. “These funds ultimately support recycling and the transition to a circular economy.” The money is then used by Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) that manage the EPR system on behalf of the producers, importers and brand owners.  The PROs help producers with legal compliance, operations management, data collection and documentation required as part of the EPR scheme. 

“EPR is not a tax” 

One significant aspect addressed by the trio was the misconception that EPR is a tax. Sreeram Madhumohan underscored, “It is not a tax; but a service fee for the responsibility that producers bear.” “Based on 30 years of data,” he further emphasised “the impact on prices for consumers is negligible, with an average price increase of just 0.1%. EPR is not a burden on consumers; instead, it fosters a sustainable circular economy.” 

He highlighted how EPR influences product design to make it more recyclable, ensuring sustainability and ease of recycling. “EPR creates an incentive for the producers to design more sustainable and recyclable items,” he added. The implementation of regulations, such as restricting hazardous substances in products, promoting the use of recycled content, and setting specific recycling targets, further enhances the circularity aspect of EPR.

EPR in other countries

Christophe Pautrat noted that the Middle East has witnessed a surge in interest, with countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Lebanon actively engaging in discussions or regulations related to EPR. “EPR is gaining prominence, especially in North Africa, including Morocco,  Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt.” He highlighted the presence of EPR discussions and regulations in sub-

Saharan Africa, with countries like Zambia, Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda making strides in waste management reforms. He pointed out the global nature of EPR that lends itself to be applicable in diverse socio-economic contexts.

Pautrat highlighted the role of EPR in providing sustainable and dedicated financing for waste management. “EPR is positioned not merely as a regulatory tool but as an enabler for creating a circular economy. By making producers financially accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, EPR establishes a positive feedback loop, encouraging the development of eco-friendly and recyclable products.” 

The introduction of design requirements and restrictions on certain substances encourages producers to create products that are easier to recycle, he noted.  

Why some countries fail

While Pautrat acknowledged the effectiveness of EPR, he also pointed out challenges in its implementation, drawing on the experiences of countries with several decades of EPR implementation in Europe. From political will to regulatory design and stakeholder engagement, each stage plays a crucial role in determining the success of EPR initiatives. 

The initial stumbling block for any EPR initiative is often the lack of political commitment, he noted, adding, “When policies are driven by temporary trends rather than a genuine commitment to sustainability, implementation tends to falter.”  He highlighted the significance of proper stakeholder engagement and well-designed regulations in EPR success. “The engagement of key stakeholders is vital to prevent passive or active resistance that could impede the progress of EPR initiatives.” 

Poorly written or incomplete regulatory frameworks can lead to operational challenges, the experts said, adding, “Regulatory frameworks are at times failing to translate  into operation, causing potential challenges.” To mitigate this, they recommended a step-by-step approach, ensuring that building blocks such as procedures, registries, and clear business processes are in place to institutionalise the EPR system effectively. 

EPR in the UAE: A step in the right direction

Madhumohan acknowledged that EPR may vary from country to country and that tailoring it to specific needs is crucial. In the UAE, where most products are imported, the focus is on engaging importers as the initial point of responsibility within the EPR framework. Frisch noted, “The UAE also has a high consumption rate. This directly relates to the high amount of packaging waste.” 

The country is expected to roll out EPR policies for packaging, E waste  and  batteries by 2026. 

The UAE has been making significant strides in managing waste. The implementation of tipping fee has prompted businesses to reconsider their waste disposal practices, encouraging a shift towards responsible sourcing and recycling. EPR policy would complement UAE’s Waste to Zero Initiative. Madhumohan is confident that once an EPR policy is in place, the recycling infrastructure and investment in waste management will significantly improve in the UAE and the Middle East. 

Considering factors such as the  country’s positive focus on the targeted Net Zero objectives  l, government’s environmental commitment, the dedication towards the EPR policy framing and economic viability,  Pautrat feels, “The EPR programme in the UAE is poised to be a success story and a model for the region.”