Extended producer responsibility (EPR) in circular economy: to what extent is the ERP inadequately designed and how can eco-modulations help to restore its original purpose

Abstract

The core idea of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is to shift the responsibility for managing waste from governments and taxpayers to the producers and companies that put out goods on the market, making them accountable for the environmental impact of their products. Despite trying to encourage eco-design, promote sustainable consumption and trying to invest in recycling, many EPR systems fall short due to inadequate incentives for eco-design and weak enforcement. The main goal of this article is to analyze the barriers that prevent an effective implementation of EPR, highlight the initiatives for enforcement mechanisms that some european countries use to promote this policy approach and, to conclude it, we’ll consider possible recommendations, the development of robust eco-modulation policies and targeted education initiatives for producers to foster a more circular and sustainable future.