Efficiency and Performance of Packaging EPR Systems in the EU

Europe is updating packaging rules and targets. Policymakers and industry need clear evidence on which Extended Producer Responsibility designs actually deliver higher recycling at a fair cost. This project was set up to compare how different EPR systems for packaging perform and why.

Approach

• Comparative analysis of eight EU countries across monopolistic, quasi-monopolistic and competitive models
• A structured evaluation framework covering environmental performance, cost efficiency, system design and governance, and innovation
• Country case studies and a cross-country matrix using cost-effectiveness ratios adjusted for purchasing power parity, plus review of deposit return systems and eco-modulation
   

Outputs and impact

The project delivers a concise evidence base on what drives results in practice, highlighting operational responsibility, full cost internalisation and robust oversight as decisive factors irrespective of market structure. It provides actionable, context-sensitive recommendations to help EU and national actors meet rising targets under the new packaging regulation while keeping costs proportionate for producers and consumers.