Which principle forms the basis of Extended Product Responsibility?

The principle that forms the basis of Extended Product Responsibility (EPR) is shared responsibility for environmental impact. EPR is a policy approach where the manufacturer of a product is held responsible for the entire lifecycle of that product, including its design, production, and post-consumer phase, such as disposal and recycling. This approach shifts some of the responsibility from consumers and governments back to producers, encouraging them to consider the environmental effects of their products both during production and after they are used.

By adopting this principle, manufacturers are incentivized to create products that are easier to recycle, reuse, or dispose of in an environmentally friendly manner, thereby reducing the overall environmental footprint. This shared responsibility fosters a more sustainable system in which all stakeholders, including consumers, manufacturers, and the government, play a role in minimizing waste and mitigating environmental impacts.

This understanding highlights why the principle of shared responsibility for environmental impact is crucial in the context of EPR, reinforcing the need for holistic thinking regarding product lifecycle management and environmental sustainability.