EPR Policy Tool
Targets
Setting clear, binding, and measurable objectives.
Targets are a cornerstone of circular economy policy. By setting clear, binding, and measurable objectives, such as collection rates, recycling rates, and recycled content requirements, targets turn policy ambitions into enforceable outcomes and ensure all stakeholders, especially producers, are accountable for progress.
Drive system performance
They establish minimum standards for collection, recycling, and use of recycled materials, often tailored to specific product or material types.
Enable accountability
Targets must be binding verifiable and tracked through robust measurement and transparent reporting.
Guide investment and planning
By providing a clear roadmap, targets help producers and Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) plan infrastructure, innovation, and operational improvements.
Support continuous improvement
Targets should be ambitious yet achievable and reviewed and raised over time as system capacity grows.
To be effective, targets must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound), aligned with the waste management hierarchy (prioritising reduction, reuse, and recycling), and periodically updated to reflect evolving policy goals and market realities. The legal framework should clearly define how performance will be measured, who is responsible, and the technical procedures for calculating compliance.
EPR is central to implementing targets. Financial obligations tied to EPR create strong incentives for compliance, with higher fees for non-compliance and “product fees” accompanying target-related policies to ensure diligence by PROs in achieving mandated quantitative goals.
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Target 90
Report on drinks packaging explaining how the dual-action approach of a 90% collection target and high levels of closed-loop recycling can deliver critical benefits for the climate, the environment and for business.
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Target 90: An unprecedented coalition of businesses across the EU calls for an ambitious approach to beverage packaging.
Joint position paper calling for an ambitious approach to beverage packaging.
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Interpretation of separate collection targets for single-use plastic beverage bottles
Position Paper on the interpretation of separate collection targets for single-use plastic beverage bottles in the European Commission’s discussions around the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
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Bottle Bill Common Ground: Issue #2 – 90% Collection Rate
Each issue of Bottle Bill Common Ground explains a single principle or practice for a meaningful, modern DRS. #2 90% collection rate
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Bottle Bill Common Ground: Issue #11 – Meaningful targets and penalties
Each issue of Bottle Bill Common Ground explains a single principle or practice for a meaningful, modern DRS. #1 Meaningful targets and penalties
Your guide to Extended Producer Responsibility.
EPR Operational Tool
Direct financial incentives to drive higher beverage container collection rates.
