EPR update - what's in and what's out?

Here, there, and everywhere.

You most likely have not been able to avoid hearing the term EPR lately.

But what is it, and which developments on the area are we seeing right now?

What is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) basically means that manufacturers and producers must take more responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products.

That especially includes being accountable for what happens to the products after consumers have used them.

Many changes are taking place right now, and we know it can be difficult to keep track of it all.

But don’t worry, we have made an overview of some of the changes in 2023.

Tidyman is no longer mandatory in Bulgaria

Tidyman is used on product packaging to remind consumers to dispose of the waste after use.

Amendments to Bulgarian packaging waste legislation means that using Tidyman is now voluntary in Bulgaria.

Der Grüne Punkt (The Green Dot) is no longer mandatory in Spain

The “green dot” shows that you have joined a national Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and pay a fee to have waste collected, disposed of, and recycled.

From February 1, 2023, the green dot is no longer mandatory in Spain, but it can instead be used voluntarily.

Read more here and here.

Waste Prevention and Eco-Design Plan in France

France is at it again with another requirement.

All companies placing products in specific categories, such as packaging, textiles, batteries, and electronic equipment, on the French market must have a plan in place.

The plan should define the objectives and actions you have and will take to implement waste prevention and eco-design over the next five years.

The deadline for submitting your plan depends on which eco-organization, you work with:

  • Refashion: 31 July 2023

  • Citeo: 15 October 2023

Read more about it here and here.

EPR on textiles in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, EPR on textiles has gone into effect from July 2023.

You are affected if you are a manufacturer and importer of consumer clothing, workwear, corporate clothing, table-, bed-, and household linen and sell products on the Dutch market.

What does it mean for you, you ask?

Well, it includes ensuring and funding separate collection systems, yearly reports on your import of textiles and EPR targets, and appointing a compliance representative in the Netherlands if you are based outside the country.

Read more here.

The EU has proposed to make EPR on textiles mandatory

The European Commission has proposed to revise the Waste Frame Directive to target food and textile waste.

Basically, as a producer of textile, textile-related, and footwear products, this would mean that you have to help pay for waste collection.

Among other things that includes collection, transportation, sorting, and disposal.

Remember it is just a proposal - it has not been adopted yet.

Read more here.

Caroline Krogholm Pedersen