Event Info

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a product and packaging end-of-life and waste management strategy aimed at addressing environmental concerns associated with product and packaging disposal. EPR policies and legislative initiatives have gained momentums across the United State, with a variety of approaches emerging at the State-level. The purpose of the webinar series is to provide an overview of the spectrum of EPR models proposed around the country, from “full EPR” systems run by producers to “municipal reimbursement” systems with more municipal control, and many hybrid structures. Presenters will also share lessons learned, pros and cons of the variety of approaches currently under consideration at the State level, and why HCPA members should care about this topic.

Webinar 1
Tuesday, October 26th at 11:30 am EST

Making Sense of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR):
Overview of Current State of Knowledge

Speaker: Mark Sayers, Principal Consultant, Anthesis Group

EPR programs differ widely in several respects, including the industries and products covered, the policy context in which they have been introduced, and the nature of the responsibilities placed on producers. The webinar is intended to provide a basic overview of the concept of EPR, and the difference between EPR and conventional waste management. The overall objective is to provide HCPA members and others useful guidance as they evaluate EPR programs and the potential impacts on their business.

Discussion on EPR policy frameworks will include:

  • Why product-centered approaches have become a focus of environmental policies
  • What are policy instruments and key components of EPR programs and how do they compare to conventional waste management
  • How common is EPR
  • What is the difference between EPR and circular economy
  • What are the diverging trends and how can they be reconciled
  • What are the key conditions under which programs deliver (or fail to deliver) desirable outcomes

Webinar 2:
Friday, October 29th from 11:30 – 12:30 pm EST

The Maine Event: First State to Enact Packaging EPR Law
Curtis Picard, President & CEO, Retail Association of Maine

The webinar is intended to introduce key elements of Maine’s EPR law and instruments to implement the program. The speakers will provide a simple cost-benefit evaluation of the program and a “checklist” of questions that might be useful for HCPA members and stakeholders to bear in mind when assessing the potential impact of the law on their business.

Discussion on the new laws will include:

  • Scope of covered packaging
  • Who funds and controls the program
  • How funds might be collected, disbursed, and used
  • Do internet sales by-pass EPR obligations
  • Timing for rulemaking and implementation of the law
  • How HCPA and stakeholders can be involved with the new state law, and related legislation in other states, moving forward

Webinar 3:
Date: Tuesday, November 2nd from 11:30 – 12:30 pm EST

New Jersey: Example of Recycle-Content Choice Instrument for EPR
Speaker: Ed Waters, Director of Government Affairs, Chemistry Council of New Jersey

Although the proposed NJ EPR bill includes elements that are similar to the Maine law (e.g., mandatory stewardship deposit-refund system) a central feature of the NJ bill is its recycling targets or minimum percentage of recycled content for packaging. The purpose of the webinar is to compare the recycled content instrument with alternative approaches and identify relevant challenges. Simple quantification of potential costs/benefits associated with the NJ approach could be useful for HCPA members and stakeholders.

Discussion on the new laws will include:

  • Scope of products covered in the NJ proposal
  • How does the NJ proposal compare to other state proposals (pros/cons)
  • How funds might be collected, disbursed, and used
  • Timing for rulemaking and implementation of the program
  • How HCPA and stakeholders can be involved with the NJ proposal, and related legislation in other states, moving forward

Webinar 4:
Thursday, November 4th from 3:00 – 4:00 pm EST

Key Learnings from Canadian Strategy for Sustainable Packaging
Speaker: Daniel Lantz, DBA, EP, Principal, Crow’s Nest Environment

There is considerable scope for states to learn from the practical experience of other countries that have implemented EPR policies focused on packaging. The webinar will focus on the Canadian context that has evolved and new challenges and opportunities for policymakers and manufacturers when considering implementation and compliance.

Discussion on the Canadian EPR approach will include:

  • Description of the obligations included in the Canadian EPR system
  • Key differences between the Canadian and US systems
  • What are the most important criteria on which EPR programs differ and how might it affect their impact and efficiency
  • Ex-post evaluation of the Canadian EPR program for packaging, including costs and environmental effectiveness
  • What members and stakeholders should be aware of to ensure compliance with the Canadian system

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Cassy LaRussa clarussa@thehcpa.org

Who Should Attend?
Communications/Marketing
Executives
Legislative/Public Affairs
Managers
Quality Assurance
Regulatory Affairs
Research & Development
Risk Management

Registration Fees
Free – Members
$99 – Non-members (includes all webinars)

If you do not have an account with us, please use the link to create one prior to registering.

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