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All the latest ideas and news from Upstream’s thought leaders and partners. 

EPR, Policy Matt Prindiville EPR, Policy Matt Prindiville

EPR: it’s not just for recycling anymore

Even though Extended Producer Responsibility has in theory been about creating a circular economy for packaging, in practice, the only goals that have been applied in legislation so far are recycling targets. The effect has been increased recycling where EPR systems are in place, but no actual reduction in the generation of packaging waste. We can change this.

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Climate, Community Action, Policy Marcel Howard Climate, Community Action, Policy Marcel Howard

Climate, plastics and reuse

Studies consistently show that reusable foodware has significantly less environmental impacts than their single-use counterparts and can be a key strategy for reducing overall emissions. Learn more about how Climate Action Plans and consumption-based emissions inventories (CBEIs) tie to reuse and help move the needle on climate action.

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EPR, Policy Matt Prindiville EPR, Policy Matt Prindiville

Which comes first? Extended Producer Responsibility or Deposit-Return?

With big brands signaling support for extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit-return systems (DRS), and – most recently – reuse/refill, opportunities have opened up to pass policies and build infrastructure to transform how we consume products. But with these commitments come competing ideas around vision, strategies and tactics – and about which policies should come first, and which should follow.

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