Abstract
An increase in global demand for natural resources put additional environmental pressures that arise from the extraction, consumption and end-of-life management of such resources. This calls for the sustainable use of natural resources and the transition towards a circular and more resource efficient economy. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies have emerged in this context and are expected to further expand and evolve to respond to these global challenges.
In 2016, the OECD updated the 2001 Guidance Manual for Governments on EPR. Across these 15 years, many OECD countries introduced EPR policies and a considerable amount of knowledge and experience is emerging from its application. The introduction of EPR policies is now being considered by many emerging economies and developing countries. As EPR is introduced and implemented, new findings and issues are also being identified.
This paper provides an overview of international trends for EPR policies, offers the context and outline of the updated OECD guidance manual, and gives a brief discussion on the new and emerging issue of EPR and internet sales. It mainly focuses on international trends and issues related to EPR that are typically beyond those relevant in Japan.
