Page 71 - Plastics News March 2025
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IN THE NEWS




          Challenges in Implementing EPR                        waste management for manufacturers will de-
                                                                termine if they choose cost-saving measures
                                                                instead of authentic sustainable practices. This
                                                                potential situation shows signs of rising green-
                                                                washing  where companies  demonstrate  false
                                                                environmental commitment while doing minimal
                                                                substantial alteration. Openness together with
                                                                accountability must be established throughout
                                                                the EPR implementation process.

                                                                Competitive Advantage through EPR Compli-
                                                                ance


                                                                Organizations leveraging EPR before regulato-
                                                                ry requirements activate will probably develop
                                                                advantages over their competitors because of
                                                                their  forward  thinking.  People  have  developed
                                                                greater concern about environmental issues so
                                                                brands that show true dedication to sustainabil-
                                                                ity gain their preference. The fulfillment of EPR
                                                                requirements might develop into a competitive
                                                                marketing  opportunity  for  companies.  A  few
                                                                enterprises utilize their sustainable practice ini-
          The primary challenge now is to establish meth-
          ods through which manufacturers can imple-            tiatives to create customer loyalty through at-
          ment recycling within their current business          tracting  customers who prioritize  environmen-
          frameworks. Which is the best recycling strate-       tal protection. Organizations that show strong
          gy for manufacturers: self-operation of facilities,   commitment  to  plastic  waste  responsibility  will
          working with other companies or moving toward         differentiate  themselves  because  sustainability
          environmentally friendly materials? The several       demands are now determining consumer pur-
          different alternatives present their specific ad-     chasing choices.
          vantages and difficulties.                            The Role of Technology in EPR Compliance


          Another aspect of EPR that is gaining traction
          is the concept of a circular economy. Unlike the
          traditional take-make-waste model, a circular
          economy focuses on designing products with
          recyclability in mind.


          Public debate intensifies about the effectiveness
          of EPR  because  it moves  waste management
          duties between entities instead of genuinely re-
          solving plastic waste issues. The requirement of



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