A Year of Global Connection: The GAP for EPR Looks Back on 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, the Global Action Partnership for Extended Producer Responsibility looks back on a year shaped by collaboration, learning, and continued efforts to make EPR knowledge more accessible around the world. Once again, this year highlighted that EPR is not only a regional or technical challenge, but a global one. Best advanced through inclusive participation and shared understanding.
Below, we share key highlights from 2025 across our three core pillars: community, knowledge, and helpdesk support.
Strengthening a Global and Inclusive Community
In 2025, we continued expanding participation in our activities to ensure that EPR conversations reflect a diverse range of experiences and perspectives.
To lower language barriers, we hosted webinars in French and Spanish, opening the door for many more people who may not be able to join English-speaking sessions.
These webinars created new spaces for cross-regional exchange, helping participants learn from one another’s experiences and challenges.
In addition, we hosted a session on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Challenges and Opportunities in the LAC region and beyond at this year’s World Circular Economy Forum. The session delved into the complexities of defining roles and responsibilities within an EPR system of different actors involved.
Expanding Access to Knowledge: Translated Knowledge Products
A key priority for the GAP for EPR in 2025 was expanding access to practical EPR resources.
This year, we’ve completed the French and Spanish translation of the Policy Paper Extended Producer Responsibility: Basic facts and key principles. Thanks to the GIZ project Export Initiative Environmental Protection (EXI), the PREVENT Waste Alliance EPR Toolbox is now also available in Arabic.
Work is already underway to expand access to EPR knowledge through additional translated resources, ensuring that more stakeholders use EPR materials in the languages they rely on every day.
Direct Support Through the Helpdesk
The EPR Helpdesk remained at the centre of our work in 2025, providing tailored, hands-on support to governments and PROs at different stages of EPR implementation.
Over the year, our support activities included:
- Hosting tailored national webinars, including for Brazil
- Analysing integrated waste management bills
- Delivering workshops on EPR implementation aligned with national contexts
- Hosting interactive webinars where our EPR community could ask questions and receive customised recommendations
We also released our report on the EPR pilot projects in Malaysia and Argentina, which you can read about here.
We provided support for several countries this year, including Montenegro, Botswana, Bolivia, and Brazil, amongst others. Each collaboration built on the country’s own priorities and needs and continues to translate EPR concepts into practical steps that fit local conditions.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, the GAP for EPR remains committed to inclusive collaboration and accessible knowledge. We will continue expanding the languages and formats of our resources, offering tailored helpdesk support, and creating spaces for partners to connect and learn from each other.
We’re also excited to launch our new Webinar Series on EPR & Social Inclusion in 2026 – keep your eyes peeled!
Extended Producer Responsibility is a global effort, and progress happens when we work together. We’re looking forward to continuing this journey with all of you in the year ahead!