Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Introduction

            EPR is an initiative to make the Producers of the goods responsible for the negative environmental impacts caused by the goods in their entire lifecycle from production of the goods to waste from the products till goods become expired. Especially the electronic waste, plastic waste,and battery waste are to be checked vigorously in their production methods, waste handling as these products can cause serious harm to the environment.

Extended producer responsibility as a waste and pollution management concept seeks to ensure that manufacturers design more sustainable and recyclable materials and production processes. For a business to be compliant, it is required to prove its attempts towards establishing a circular economy model such as re-used, buy-back, and recycling systems. Many organisations are motivated enough to become environmentally friendly entities but EPR is more realistic and also ensures that the best environmental outcomes are made possible if manufacturers rather than local councils are made to bear the cost of sustainability from raw material acquisition, product usage and disposal.

The need and the pressure to develop the EPR compliance stemmed from the conditions whereby many of the largest Urban centres were nearly overwhelmed by municipal waste. The exponential rise in e-commerce, as well as the consumer demand for variety and quick delivery has also contributed to the increase in municipal trash which by the year 2050 is expected to have increased to 3. 40 billion tons globally. And today, despite the fact that 80% of the goods now thrown to the dump sites can actually be recycled, only a measly 20% of this content is actually being recycled.

On top of that, there are escalating quantities of industrial and hazardous waste implying that businesses and governments need to look for the new basis on which products need to be utilized and manufactured. Ultimately, forward-thinking organisations with an eye on the future are therefore redesigning their product design, selecting eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging, and embracing the circular economy in light of the increased government action.

EPR certificate

An Extended Producer Responsibility certificate is usually a legal documentation that is mandatory for companies or organizations that manufacture or supply goods which fall under EPR specs. Details of the requirements can, however, depend on the country of production and the kind of product.

Which entities need EPR certificate

 Here are some common examples of entities that might need an EPR certificate:

• Manufacturers: Manufacturing companies who deal in electronics, packaging materials, batteries, automobiles and other commodities for which EPR regulations apply.
• Importers: Importers of products that fall under the EPR regulations of a particular country are other stakeholders.
• Retailers: Sometimes a retailer that sells items that is categorized under EPR regulations may require to confirm to EPR standards for the products they retail.
• Brand Owners: Manufacturers that use or sell the brands of the products which come under the EPR regulations even though they do not directly manufacture them.
• Distributors: Firms who are engaged in the distribution of end products that have been established under EPR regulations may have to adhere to the requirements in line with the jurisdiction governing that position.
• E-commerce Platforms: EPR regulations may also apply to the online selling mediums if they are an e-Commerce company which sells products that are covered by regulations under EPR.

Examples of Products Often Covered by EPR Regulations:

Electronics: Laptops, smart phones, tablets , led/LCD televisions, Refrigerators, Microwaves etc

Packaging: Plastic, papers, glass and metals which are used to package different products on the market.

Batteries: The common types of batteries include the following; the household batteries, the rechargeable batteries, and the industrial batteries.

Vehicles: Automobiles and other kinds of automobiles especially regarding their disposal.

Tires: The management of utilized tires especially in the areas of recycling and disposal.

Textiles: Clothing and related textile products.

Who issues EPR certificate in India

 The issuer of EPR certificate in India is The Central Pollutions Control Board (CPCB).

Importance of EPR Certificate

      Holders of EPR registrations can take use of the following advantages:Holders of EPR registrations can take use of the following advantages:

• Enhanced brand image- EPR accreditation may enable a brand to demonstrate that it supports environmental conservation through adopting environmentally responsible practices and disposal of waste. Consequently, it may also positively influence the perception that stakeholders as well as the customers have about the brand and thus enhance customer loyalty and trust.
• Ensuring compliance with the law- To show that they are assuming the responsibility of the waste that comes as a result of their products, many countries require that corporations obtain a certificate of compliance with EPR laws. Companies need an EPR certificate to confirm that they are within the legal guidelines.
• Costs- Employment of environmental procedures such as sustainable waste disposal could make the prices of disposes lower for companies while increasing efficiency. Companies may demonstrate their commitment to minimize waste and how it will come back and benefit them by applying for the EPR authorization.
• Access to new markets- Companies that obtain an EPR certificate can be eligible to penetrate markets that appreciate efficient environmental management and sustainable waste management practices. Perhaps, this may help individual companies in increasing their customer base and sources of revenues.
• Improved supply chain management: Through the implementation of sustainable waste management strategies, companies may also manage to reduce the possibility of disruptions in the supply chain that may stem from matters concerning waste. It can also lead to the improvement of the supply chain management and its reliability and efficiencies may increase

How to get EPR certificate in India

Process of EPR Registration

Manufacturers of batteries, electrical items, and other analogous products must adhere to the following procedures in order to submit an application for EPR authorisation in India:

• Develop an EPR plan

The manufacturer is required to develop an EPR plan containing plans on how the manufactured items will be collected and recycled once they become waste. Proposed measures and goals might include the type and quantities of trash that will be collected and recycled, process followed and dates when these objectives will be achieved must also be included in the EPR plan.

• Register for EPR – complete the application at the website of the Central Pollution Control Board where the producer’s manufacturing plant is situated.
• Attach all necessary documents- The producer will be required to attach the EPR authorization application form and other documentation.

The producer is required to fill and sign the EPR permission application form and submit it along with all the relevant documents to the Central Pollution Control Board depending on the location of the manufacturing plant.

• Await approval- It could request additional information after assessing the applicant’s EPR authorisation application. Upon approval of the application the manufacturer will be issued with the EPR approval certificate. It is necessary to recall that such an important document as EPR certificate requires regular update according to the current rules set by CPCB.

Conclusion

        Complying to the EPR rules should be a compulsion so as to reduce pollution and to keep the environment healthy which is necessary for all the living beings to have a sustainable life.