The concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is attributed to originating in the early 1990s in Europe, with Sweden being one of the first countries to implement the policy. Within EPR policies, the responsibility for end-of-life management of products and product packaging shifts from waste management professionals, both public and private, to the manufacturers. This shift emphasizes the importance of collaboration between manufacturers and solid waste and resource management professionals.  

Jeff Bezzo, Executive Director of Plastics Strategy with SC Johnson, Charlie Schwarze, Senior Director – Sustainability with Keurig Dr Pepper, Kevin Roche, CEO of ecomaine, Trina Matta, VP of Policy Implementation at The Recycling Partnership, and Julia Mangin, Head of Sustainability at Recology, will participate in a fireside chat facilitated by SWANA Executive Director and CEO, Amy Lestition Burke. The discussion will surface critical insights around the implementations, benefits, and challenges of EPR with a focus on EPR for packaging. The expert panel will highlight strategies for collaboration between all stakeholders, and will share their views on where EPR policy is now, and where it could be heading. The group will also discuss how to effectively influence EPR policy development and implementation. 

Approximate timing:
9:30 – Session Begins
9:35 – Professional Achievement Awards Presentation
9:45 – EPR Panel Fireside Chat