Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a principle that holds manufacturers, importers, and sometimes retailers responsible for the end-of-life management of their products and packaging. The concept aims to internalize the environmental costs associated with products throughout their lifecycle, encouraging producers to design products that are more easily recyclable, reusable, or environmentally friendly. EPR programs typically require producers to take responsibility for the collection, recycling, or safe disposal of their products once they reach the end of their useful life, reducing the burden on local governments and taxpayers for waste management.

One of the key aspects of EPR is the shift towards a circular economy model, where products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible through recycling, remanufacturing, and repair. By implementing EPR, governments and organizations aim to promote resource efficiency, reduce waste generation, and minimize environmental pollution. EPR programs vary widely in scope and implementation, ranging from mandatory regulations requiring producers to finance and manage recycling programs to voluntary initiatives that incentivize eco-design and sustainable production practices.

Moreover, EPR encourages collaboration and innovation among stakeholders along the product lifecycle, fostering partnerships between producers, recyclers, governments, and consumers. Producers are incentivized to invest in research and development to improve product design, optimize material use, and develop innovative recycling technologies. Consumers, in turn, are empowered to make more informed choices by selecting products from companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through their EPR initiatives. Through collective action and shared responsibility, EPR plays a pivotal role in driving the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.