Governments across Asia are addressing the plastic pollution crisis with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. These laws aim to shift post-consumer waste management, especially packaging, from municipalities to producers. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the EPR landscape in Asia, focusing on packaging, to help businesses navigate regulations and embrace sustainable practices.
What Is South Korea’s Approach to EPR?
South Korea leads in EPR implementation in Asia. Its EPR scheme assigns recycling obligations to manufacturers, importers, and sellers using packaging materials. Non-compliance can result in hefty recycling fees. For more details, visit the ChemLinked and Sustainability ChemLinked pages.
What Are the Key Points for Businesses in South Korea?
- Products subject to EPR include paper packs, glass bottles, metal/aluminum cans, plastic packaging, and foam materials.
- Producers must pay a sharing fee to Recycling Business Mutual Aid Cooperatives, which delegate waste disposal institutes for collection and recycling.
- Producers must submit a plan for fulfilling their packaging collection and recycling obligations to the Korea Environment Corporation (KECO) for approval.
How Is Japan Embracing Circularity with EPR?
Japan’s EPR policies cover various waste streams, including packaging. The country emphasizes a circular economy and promotes recycled materials. More information is available on the ChemLinked page.
What Are the Key Points for Businesses in Japan?
- Producers are responsible for collecting and recycling their packaging waste.
- Specific recycling targets are set for different packaging materials.
- Eco-labeling schemes and green public procurement programs help stimulate demand for recycled products.
What Are the Emerging Regulations in Southeast Asia?
Several Southeast Asian countries are implementing EPR laws for packaging waste to address plastic pollution urgently.
What Is Indonesia’s Waste Reduction Roadmap?
- Producers must reduce waste from their products by 30% by 2029, focusing on recycling and reuse. Details can be found in the Smithers white paper.
- A complete ban on plastic straws, bags, and single-use polystyrene packaging is planned from 2030 onwards.
How Is the Philippines Implementing EPR?
- The Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 mandates a 20% recovery rate by the end of 2023, increasing to 40% by the end of 2024, with annual increments of 10%. More information is available on the Global Compliance News page.
What Are Singapore’s EPR Initiatives?
- Singapore has an EPR framework for e-waste and plans to introduce a deposit refund system for beverage containers starting July 1, 2025. More details are available on the SEADS page.
What Are Vietnam’s EPR Regulations?
- The revised Environmental Protection Law in 2020 will enforce EPR for packaging, containers, and tires from January 2024, and for electrical and electronic equipment and vehicles from January 2027. More details can be found on the SEADS page.
How Are Malaysia and Thailand Preparing for EPR?
- Both countries are preparing to apply EPR to packaging and container waste. More details are available on the SEADS page.
How Can Businesses Adapt to EPR Regulations?
As EPR laws gain momentum across Asia, businesses must stay informed and proactive. Embrace sustainable packaging solutions and partner with reputable suppliers like SourceGreen.co to meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
By prioritizing sustainable packaging solutions and adopting a circular economy approach, businesses can not only reduce their waste footprint but also meet the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible products. Visit our marketplace to explore our range of sustainable packaging options and consultancy services tailored to your industry. Refer to our Source Green Whitepaper for comprehensive solutions to transition your business to plastic-free and sustainable packaging alternatives.
Contact SourceGreen.co to audit your packaging and explore sustainable alternatives. We provide expert sustainable packaging consulting services for companies of all sizes and industries. Additionally, we offer comprehensive market research services, deal due diligence for investment funds, market overviews, and research reports. Our team can also assist with thought leadership, community engagement, corporate workshops, keynote and panel speaking, expert opinions for media, and innovation sourcing through startup scouting. Partner with us to elevate your sustainability strategy and drive impactful change.
