What does Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) require companies to do?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly as it pertains to waste management. This means that companies must take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products, which includes planning for the recovery, recycling, or safe disposal of those products once they are no longer in use.

By managing the waste generated from their products, companies are encouraged to design their products in a way that minimizes waste and facilitates recycling or reuse. This approach incentivizes manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of their products from the very beginning, leading to a more sustainable cycle of consumption and waste management.

In contrast to this, increasing production without regard for waste would neglect the environmental and social responsibilities associated with product lifecycle management. Similarly, reducing the lifespan of products or outsourcing waste management entirely would not align with the principles of EPR, which focuses on manufacturers taking proactive steps to handle the waste their products create.