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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Practices

Extended Producer Responsibility

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that holds producers, manufacturers, and distributors accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, including take-back, recycling, and final disposal. EPR aims to reduce waste, encourage sustainable product design, and shift the financial burden of waste management from municipalities to producers. As EPR laws continue to proliferate across the United States, companies that use plastic and paper packaging to ship or sell products face increasing compliance challenges.

Recent EPR legislation focuses on several key objectives:

  • Establishing producer responsibility organizations to manage compliance efforts
  • Encouraging recyclable and compostable product and packaging design
  • Reducing waste through improved resource efficiency
  • Curbing greenwashing by ensuring transparency in sustainability claims

We have broad experience helping our clients navigate the evolving EPR landscape with a comprehensive suite of legal and strategic services.

  • Regulatory compliance. We provide guidance on state and local EPR regulations, ensuring our clients remain compliant with emerging requirements. Our team monitors the latest legislative developments to provide timely, actionable advice.
  • Product stewardship programs. We assist clients in designing and implementing programs that meet regulatory requirements and align with their sustainability goals, including take-back and recycling programs, as well as strategies for reducing environmental impact.
  • Investigations, litigation, and dispute resolution. Our attorneys represent clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, environmental litigation, and dispute resolution proceedings, protecting their interests in administrative proceedings and court cases.
  • Policy advocacy. We engage with policymakers and industry groups to shape balanced, effective EPR policies that promote both environmental protection and business innovation.
  • Public and investor relations. We help clients integrate EPR compliance into their broader sustainability initiatives, ensuring clear, strategic communication with stakeholders.
  • Training and education. We offer training sessions and workshops to educate clients on EPR requirements and best practices. Our goal is to empower clients with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate evolving EPR requirements effectively.

Our EPR team advises clients across a range of industries, including:

  • Consumer electronics. We assist manufacturers and retailers in managing product life cycle responsibilities, from design to end-of-life disposal.
  • Packaging. We help companies in the packaging industry and companies using disposable packaging develop sustainable solutions and ensure compliance with EPR regulations.
  • Automotive. Our team supports manufacturers in meeting EPR requirements for vehicle components and end-of-life vehicle management.
  • Pharmaceuticals. We advise pharmaceutical companies on the proper disposal of unused medications and compliance with drug take-back programs.
  • Textiles. We guide textile and apparel companies in implementing EPR programs for clothing and other textile products.