Paolo Facco; Richard Berner
2025, Berlin: adelphi consult GmbH
Europe can recycle more, at a lower cost
Across Europe, governments are under pressure to deliver higher recycling rates at lower cost. A new adelphi study finds that countries can achieve both when producer responsibility schemes are built around four concrete design choices:
- Operational responsibility,
- material responsibility,
- full producer cost coverage, and
- independent oversight are key drivers.
Competition, when well regulated, multiplies these gains.
Where Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) hold operations, materials, and costs and face fair competition, continuous cost pressure and innovation drive higher recycling at lower fees.
Efficiency and Performance of Packaging EPR Systems in the EU compares systems across Member States and finds these governance choices are the most reliable predictors of both recycling outcomes and price efficiency.
Paolo Facco
adelphi.de
Richard Berner
adelphi.de
Join the official launch webinar
Get the key findings from the study authors on how smarter EPR design can deliver higher recycling at lower cost. Find out why the time to act is now. Share your questions during the live Q&A.
Tuesday, 18 November · 11:00 - 12:15 (Central European Time)
| Agenda | |
|---|---|
| Presentation of study results (30-45 min) | Overview of the study’s key findings on how different EPR system designs affect recycling performance, cost efficiency, and innovation across EU Member States. |
| Policy discussion & moderated Q&A (20 min) | Interactive discussion with the study authors and policymakers on applying these insights to future EU packaging reforms. |