Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy instrument that makes product manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products – including disposal. In France, this regulation applies to various product categories, including packaging and graphic paper.

In France, EPR obligations apply to all companies that sell products from certain categories. In addition to these various products (e.g. furniture, textiles, etc.), packaging and graphic paper are also subject to the EPR. All retailers who sell packaging, graphic paper or other products from the relevant product groups to private end consumers in France must take responsibility for their disposal. This also applies to online retailers based outside France who sell their products in France.

The definition of ‘graphic paper’ applies to all papers of less than 224 g/m2. The papers concerned include (among others): Brochures, flyers, catalogues, magazines, newspapers, mailings, letterheads, administrative documents, postal envelopes, posters, instructions for use, special tickets, banknotes, etc.
There is no minimum volume, so from the first paper placed on the French market, it is mandatory to comply with product stewardship.

Previously, packaging and graphic paper were collected and recycled in separate streams. However, this separation led to inefficient processes and higher costs. By merging these two EPR streams, the aim is to achieve more efficient collection, separation and recycling of waste.

1. increase the recycling rate: The joint collection and processing of packaging and graphic paper should lead to higher recycling rates. This will help to reduce the environmental impact and conserve valuable raw materials.

2. cost efficiency: Merging the streams should reduce the costs of collection and recycling. More efficient processes and the reduction of duplicate structures mean that financial resources can be better utilised.

3. standardised disposal systems: Consumers benefit from clearer and simpler disposal systems. Standardising collection makes it easier to separate and dispose of waste correctly.

Merging the EPR streams for packaging and graphic paper in France is an important step towards more sustainable waste management. Both the environment and the economy will benefit from more efficient processes, higher recycling rates and lower costs. Companies should prepare for the changes at an early stage in order to make the most of the resulting opportunities.

Directive 2008/98/EC sets the legal framework for dealing with waste within the EU. One of the core objectives of the EU Waste Framework Directive is to protect the environment. A five-stage waste hierarchy was defined as a central element of this, which includes prevention, preparation for recovery, recycling, other recovery and disposal. It prioritises the various methods of waste management to ensure that waste is avoided as far as possible or recovered in the most environmentally friendly way.

Another aspect of the EU Waste Framework Directive is the principle of extended producer responsibility (EPR). This obliges manufacturers to take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products, including the phase in which they become waste. The EPR includes financial and organisational obligations, such as participating in the financing of collection and recycling programmes for certain products and packaging at the end of their life cycle.

The amended Waste Framework Directive also aims to promote the circular economy by, among other things, expanding and specifying waste prevention programmes and increasing recycling rates.

One of the biggest challenges in implementing the Waste Framework Directive continues to be the differences between the Member States in terms of their starting points and progress in waste management. This leads to different speeds in the implementation of the directive and creates a patchwork of regulations within the EU. Transposition into national legislation also requires close co-operation between the EU institutions, national governments and local authorities. This multilateral co-operation can be hampered by differing political priorities and regulatory frameworks.

Furthermore, the development of technologies for waste treatment and utilisation requires considerable investment. This poses a challenge for public and private actors. There are also technological barriers, for example in the development of efficient recycling processes for complex materials and products.

There is also a need to raise public awareness of the importance of waste prevention and recycling. Without the active participation of citizens and businesses, the measures of the directive cannot be fully effective. Promoting sustainable consumer behaviour and raising awareness of the environmental impact of waste is crucial.

Significant progress has been made in waste management since the introduction of the EU Waste Framework Directive. Many Member States have increased their recycling rates and successfully implemented waste prevention measures.

The Waste Framework Directive is constantly evolving to meet changing challenges and new knowledge. Future developments could include increased measures to promote the circular economy, such as the introduction of stricter recycling rates and the promotion of research and innovation in the field of waste management.

In the long term, consistent implementation not only helps to protect the environment, but also offers economic benefits. By promoting the circular economy, resources are conserved and new recycling opportunities are created. The directive also makes an important contribution to achieving the EU’s climate targets by reducing CO2 emissions from waste utilisation.