Challenges Related to EPR

Challenges Related to EPR

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the responsibility of every producer, importer, and brand owner. This is in order to channelize waste to an authorized dismantler/recycler to ensure proper handling and disposal of such waste. 

Extended Producer Responsibility may comprise of implementation of the take-back system, setting up of collection centers, or both of these. Along with having agreed arrangements with authorized dismantlers or recyclers either individually or collectively through a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).

Difficulty in understanding guidelines

The first guidelines related to EPR in India came in as early as 2016  but still until 2020 most companies were not able to fulfill their ERP targets due to lack of understanding and the complete responsibility of successful ERP had been shifted on the shoulders of industry. Many industries that did fall under the compliance category didn't recognize it at all for example the Pharmaceutical Industry 

Trouble in documentation

There are particular difficulties faced during the documentation of EPR since there needs to be documentation as proof of EPR implementation. There is great difficulty in understanding the documentation sequence etc

Technological Challenge

The waste management infrastructure is still in its developing stage in India. There are hardly any latest technologies being implemented on large scale without which initiatives like EPR are bound to have a limited impact and also not achieve a lot more in terms of quantity. 

Trouble tracking

When companies tie-up with other agencies then it's really hard for them as well to be able to track the EPR process since the logistics etc are handled by the Producers Responsibility Organization (PRO).