Extended Producer Responsibility

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an important policy mechanism that helps promote the circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of products and their packaging. In addition, we promote the polluter pays principle by taking responsibility for the entire product life cycle. EPR is met by the manufacturer by reusing, buying back, or recycling discarded products. The manufacturer also has the option of delegating this responsibility to a third party that the manufacturer can pay for lifespan management. This shifts the responsibility for waste management from the government to the private sector, making it easier for manufacturers or distributors to internalize waste management and ensure the safe handling of their products. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change has announced Extended Producer Responsibility Guidelines for Plastic Packaging under the 2016 Plastic Waste Management Regulations to reduce pollution caused by domestic plastic packaging waste. Strengthening the Circular Economy: The guidelines provide a framework for strengthening the circular economy of plastic packaging waste. The guidelines require the reuse of rigid plastic packaging materials to reduce the use of unused plastic materials in packaging. Reduce plastic consumption: The policy requires a minimum level of recycling of plastic packaging waste collected as part of the EPR and the use of recycled plastic contents. It further reduces plastic consumption and supports the recycling of plastic packaging waste. Companies will collect at least 25% of the target by 2021-22, 70% by 2022-23, 100% by 2024, 30% to 50% of waste by 2024-2025, 60% to 80 by 2027-28. % Need to be reused. Push Formalization: EPR guidelines support the formalization and further development of the plastic waste management sector. The guidelines allow the sale and purchase of surplus Extended Producer Responsibility Certificates and create a market mechanism for the disposal of plastic waste Improving the efficiency of EPR governance: EPR implementation is done through a bespoke online platform that acts as the digital backbone of the system. The online platform enables tracking and monitoring of EPR obligations, reducing the burden of corporate compliance. To ensure compliance with EPR obligations, the Directive mandates a system for reviewing and auditing companies.

2. Implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle: The guidelines provide a framework for imposing environmental penalties based on the Polluter Pays Principle if the Extended Producer Responsibility Goal fails to be achieved. The latest new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy is the first step in the right direction to improve producer accountability and regulatory enforcement. However, the informal sector waste recycling business is not licensed or regulated, and compostable or biodegradable plastics are not subject to the new guidelines. These issues need to be addressed in order to fully achieve the goals of plastic waste management in India.