We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
An overview of the problems posed by plastic products and the role of extended producer responsibility in Europe
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper outlines the environmental and human health harms of plastic waste in Europe and evaluates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as a policy tool to reduce plastic pollution. The authors argue that EPR can strengthen waste collection and recycling infrastructure when applied within the European waste management hierarchy.
Plastic products are easy and convenient for our everyday use, but their negative impacts on human health and the environment cannot be overlooked. The negative impacts and effects of plastic waste are now widely known and have been subject of much recent media coverage, both in Europe and on a global level. Faced with increasing amounts of plastic waste, the European Union as a whole and many European governments in particular, are currently revising the policy options available to cope with the problem. One of the tools which may be deployed with a view to reducing the pressures posed by plastic waste, is the Extended Producer Responsibility principle. It is considered to be one of the major waste management policy instruments that support the implementation of the European waste hierarchy. Its application may assist in fostering the collection and recycling of waste streams that contain plastic. This paper presents an overview of the problems posed by plastic waste, and outlines their environmental dimensions. It discusses the role of the Extended Producer Responsibility principle and provides some recommendations that may be useful in enhancing extended producer responsibility.
More Papers Like This
The global governance of marine plastic pollution: rethinking the extended producer responsibility system
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper analyzes the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system as a governance tool for tackling marine plastic pollution, comparing its implementation across the EU, US, and China. EPR requires plastic producers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products, including waste management. The study identifies challenges in applying EPR internationally but argues it is essential for reducing the plastic waste that breaks down into the microplastics contaminating oceans and seafood.
Accelerating Extended Producer Responsibility implementation in Indonesia to combat plastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper examines plastic pollution challenges in Indonesia and proposes extended producer responsibility (EPR) as a key mitigation strategy, drawing lessons from four countries with successful EPR systems. Seven targeted recommendations are offered, including creating a unified EPR coordination agency and implementing public awareness programs to reduce plastic pollution in Indonesia.
Extended Producer Responsibility: An Assessment of Recent Amendments to the European Union Waste Framework Directive
AI summary Read the abstract
This policy analysis reviews recent amendments to European Union extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation for plastic packaging, evaluating how well the reforms address plastic waste reduction and recycling goals. EPR policies are a key tool in reducing plastic pollution at the source before plastics break down into microplastics.
Global Plastic Pollution and the Transition Towards a Circular Economy: Lessons from the EU’s Legal Framework on Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews the EU legal framework on plastics and the transition toward a circular economy, examining how regulatory instruments including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and extended producer responsibility schemes can reduce the billions of tons of plastic waste generated annually.
Extended producer’s responsibility of companies using plastics for packaging commodities in India
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examines extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks applicable to companies using plastic packaging in India, analyzing how EPR policies can close the gap between current plastic waste management capabilities and environmental targets. The authors discuss regulatory trajectories and the obligation for producers to take accountability for the end-of-life impacts of their plastic packaging.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.