Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) refers to a broad set of regulatory policies that shift the responsibility for environmental impact and waste management from governments and taxpayers to the producers of consumer goods and packaging. Under EPR, producers are required to design, fund, and operate systems for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products and packaging materials.

EPR compliance is complex and presents both risks and opportunities for companies—particularly those in the consumer goods, food, retail, e-commerce, and publishing sectors. As regulatory enforcement intensifies, businesses must also prepare for potential litigation and enforcement risks tied to non-compliance.

DLA Piper’s EPR Compliance team is here to help you understand, anticipate, and comply with dynamic requirements while preserving your competitive edge.

We have been tracking EPR laws from their inception and have counseled businesses on EPR obligations up and down the supply chain.

• Obligation Assessment: Identify which EPR rules apply to your products and packaging—and where exemptions may apply.
• Compliance Strategy & Implementation: Build and execute tailored roadmaps to meet regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Work directly with regulators, Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), suppliers, vendors and industry groups to shape and respond to EPR rulemaking.
• PRO Strategy & Formation: Advise on joining, navigating, or forming PROs and sub-PROs that align with your business goals.
• Product & Packaging Guidance: Counsel on sustainable design, sourcing, and labeling to meet EPR and environmental standards.
• Global Insights: Leverage our international platform to stay ahead of developments in key markets.
• Dispute Resolution: Represent clients in EPR-related litigation and enforcement actions.