A new economic analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and SC Johnson suggests that a single federal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system in the United States could cut producer compliance costs by approximately 50% compared to a patchwork of individual state-level laws.
Currently, US states are independently passing their own EPR laws, creating a fragmented regulatory landscape. The study argues that a unified national system reduces administrative duplication, simplifies reporting, and streamlines infrastructure investment. This mirrors global debates on how to structure waste management and circular economy policies without overburdening businesses.
For UK waste companies and Turkish recyclers, this research underscores a universal truth in environmental policy: regulatory fragmentation is expensive. UK packaging converters are currently grappling with the phased rollout of the UK's own EPR scheme, while Turkish manufacturers exporting to the British and European markets must comply with differing national packaging waste regulations. A fragmented approach across Europe or within post-Brexit trade corridors increases the administrative burden on exporters. If regulatory frameworks between the UK, EU, and trading partners like Türkiye diverge too significantly, the cost of compliance will inevitably rise, eating into the margins of recycled polymer trade.
The practical takeaway for packaging converters and exporters is to actively advocate for regulatory alignment and harmonised reporting standards between the UK and the EU. When designing packaging portfolios for export, businesses should focus on universal recyclability standards that satisfy the strictest regional EPR requirements, thereby mitigating the financial risks of navigating a patchwork of local regulations.
