What does Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) assert about product life cycles?

Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) asserts that all parties involved in a product's life cycle share environmental responsibility. This concept recognizes that environmental impacts occur at every stage of a product's life, from design and manufacturing to consumption and disposal. By distributing responsibilities among manufacturers, consumers, and retailers, EPR encourages a holistic approach to managing product waste and promoting sustainability.

This collective responsibility motivates manufacturers to design products that are easier to recycle and less harmful to the environment, as they will be held accountable even after a product has reached the end of its useful life. Additionally, it informs consumers about their role in the product life cycle, encouraging them to consider how they dispose of products and to choose more sustainable options.

This perspective is crucial as it fosters collaboration among all stakeholders to reduce overall environmental impact, rather than placing the burden solely on one group.