Understanding The Scope Of EPR For Plastic Packaging Waste

Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 lays down the provisions for Extended Producer Responsibility for plastic packaging waste. The EPR strategy is an approach where the producer is responsible for their product post-consumer stage. The major objective behind this is to incentivize producers to create products that are environment-friendly, promote recycling, and minimize waste leakage into the environment. The framework, to some extent, shifted the responsibility of managing plastic waste towards the producers from the government authorities. It facilitates the collection, transportation, and disposal of plastic waste and obliges producers to manage this with transparency and frequent reporting.

EPR Authorization for Plastic Waste encourages producers to design products in such a way that makes them reusable multiple times. Further, the EPR framework encourages producer to use recycled plastic in their production process. They must also ensure that plastic content in their products is properly disposed of at the end of its life cycle.

Let’s understand the scope of EPR for plastic packaging waste and how it is capable of transforming the plastic waste management mechanism.

How EPR is Transforming Plastic Waste Management?

According to a recent report, the world purchases one million plastic bottles every minute and up to five trillion plastic bags are used every year across the globe. The majority of this plastic is designed for single-time usage which means it is used just once and then discarded right away.

To tackle the plastic waste crisis, the government introduced the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) norms. It emerged as a key policy instrument that emphasizes on appropriate and responsible disposal of plastic waste in the environment.

The framework requires producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) to set up a plastic waste collection system and ensure that plastic is processed in an environmentally sound manner. EPR is transforming plastic waste management by incentivizing eco-design, reducing unnecessary use of plastic in packaging, removal of elements that delay or hamper the recycling process, and encouraging good practices among the stakeholders.

How to Obtain EPR Authorization For Plastic Waste?

EPR authorization is mandatory for every producer, importer, and brand owner involved in plastic manufacturing or using plastic as packaging.
To obtain EPR authorization for plastic waste through Legal Raasta, the following procedure needs to be followed:

• Submit the requested paperwork so that we can send it to the relevant authorities.
• We will file your application and scrutinize it to make sure all the requirements are carefully met.
• Next, we will work in conjunction with the relevant CPCB/SPCB department.
• Once your documents and application are accepted by the officials, the licence will be issued. However, if any objections arise in the process, we will take the necessary actions to ensure you receive your EPR certificate as soon as possible.

The following documents will be required to obtain the EPR authorization for plastic waste:

• Manufacturer’s Legal address proof
• PAN Card
• GST documents that mention the manufacturing unit address
• For importers, an attached copy of the Import Export Code letter
• Attach ISI certification or BIS registration number.
• Agreement documents with TSDFs (Treatment Storage Disposal Facilities), recycling agencies, and dismantlers.
• Attach a copy of documents and certificates from directorates, registrars, and municipal corporation.
• Technical documents like ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) certificates, supplier declarations, and material analytical reports.
• EPR Plan that will include every detail on reuse, recycling program, and buyback.
• Attach product details, EPR budget, awareness plans, and methodology.

You must add every single detail on the type of product you are seeking registration for. This will information on the material used, product category and sub-category, product model number, types of consumers (B2B or B2C), and production and import history.

Implement Strategic Approaches to EPR Compliance for Plastic Waste to comply with the stipulated regulations with the help of take-back programs, innovative technologies, and dedicated collection points.

The RoHS compliance is a declaration that confirms the limited usage of hazardous material in EEE (Electrical and electronic products). PIBOs involved in the plastic business are not required to attach this document.

Who Are The Major Stakeholders In The EPR Mechanism?

The EPR is applicable to all companies that manufacture, import or act as an intermediary between buyer and seller in the plastic business. In addition, the framework applies to a wide variety of plastic products, including single-use plastic items, packaging material, and durable goods.
Companies that use plastic for packaging such as food and beverage industries, pharmaceutical companies, and cosmetic manufacturers, among others. The certification is also mandatory for distributors and retailers of plastic-made items. Anyone involved in the production, disposal, distribution, or processing is legally obliged to obtain the EPR authorization for plastic waste.

Major Objectives of the Extended Producer Responsibility

All across the globe, governments have been trying to tackle the growing utilization of plastic in production and consumption. However, for effective implementation of the policy, entities involved in plastic packaging must come forward to manage the growing plastic penetration in the economy. Here, the policy of EPR plays a pivotal role in delegating a significant portion of the plastic management process to its producers and manufacturers. It also mandates producers to Meet EPR Targets and Manage Plastic Waste Effectively.
The following are the major objectives of EPR authorization for plastic waste:

• Promote Circular Economy: Circular economy refers to a model of production and consumption where plastic is shared, reused, refurbished, and recycled as long as possible. EPR mandates producers to process the plastic by sorting, shredding, and melting it into pellets to eventually mould in into a different product.
• Implement improvements in Product Design: The policy promotes the designing of products while keeping recyclability in mind. It also encourages to reduction of unnecessary plastic use and labelling of the final product to streamline proper sorting.
• Minimize Waste: EPR aims to reduce the volume of waste being dumped into landfills and leaking into the environment. It further reduces the dependency on acquiring new raw materials, especially the finite resources and plastic virgin materials.
• Increase Recycling Rate: EPR policies mandate producers, importers, and brand owners to comply with recycling targets and report data on the amount of waste created, and amount of plastic recycled and reused for the production of new products. Eventually, this target mechanism helps in increasing the recycling rate.

Challenges in Effective Implementation of EPR

EPR Authorization for Plastic Waste is a key policy initiative in synergising the efforts of both the government and producers to address risks associated with surging plastic use. The strategy makes producers, importers, and brand owners take responsibility for the impacts created by their products. However, implementing this policy framework comes with its own set of challenges. These are:

• Lack of Adequate Waste Collection: Along with having a lack of adequate infrastructure for plastic waste collection, producers also struggle with inefficient systems of transportation and recycling. This leads to improper disposal of plastic and causes environmental damage.
• Difficulty in Data Collection: Difficulty in the collection of comprehensive and accurate data makes it difficult to implement and monitor compliance related to EPR norms. This is mainly due to inconsistent reporting practices and the absence of a standardized tracking mechanism.
• Logistical Challenges: Managing the take-back programs or other initiatives that allow consumers to return plastic products is not only a cumbersome process but also suffers due to logistical issues. Designating collection points, transporting and then sorting the plastic further add up to the burden, especially for multi-layered plastic products.
• Issues in designing products with recyclability: Some producers prefer to mix plastic with other materials other than plastic. This complicates the recycling process and makes it difficult to properly separate the various elements in the product.
• Lack of Consumer Engagement: When consumers do not actively engage in returning used plastic products, they hinder the effective implementation of the EPR policy. Further, the absence of easily accessible collection points and lack of clear instructions on how to separate the product discourage consumer participation. Sometimes people are not interested in participating in such programs due to no visible awards or benefits.

Final Thoughts

EPR authorization for plastic waste offers numerous benefits for both the environment and business. The framework encourages the adoption of a circular economy by creating mechanisms for the reuse, buyback, and recycling plastic waste. The strategic approach assists in reducing dependence on virgin plastic and enables the usage of plastic multiple times.

By implementing the Strategic Approaches to EPR Compliance for Plastic Waste, businesses can cut down their overall costs, enhance their profitability, and help the economy move towards sustainable development. Meet EPR Targets and Manage Plastic Waste Effectively by inculcating these strategic approaches to enhance your brand’s reputation as someone who commits to environmental responsibility. Scale up your business by practising.

With more than 15000+ EPR registrations, Legal Raasta Pvt Ltd aims to provide you with a quick and hassle-free EPR registration process. Our deep understanding of environmental laws will help you navigate through the complex procedure of EPR registration and ensure that your business fulfils all the environmental regulations.