Pilot projects: Supporting EPR development in Malaysia and Argentina – MAREA and CEMPRE Cases
Taking on the design and implementation of extended producer responsibility, or EPR, systems is an arduous task. A particular challenge lies within tailoring all its various elements to the contexts of its region and market – A challenge that the Global Action Partnership for EPR aimed to tackle with its first EPR Helpdesk pilot in Malaysia and Argentina.
The groundbreaking pilot for the EPR Helpdesk ran from January to July 2024. In collaboration with UNEP’s One Plastics Initiative and sponsored by the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund, the pilot tested and standardized the working modality of the EPR Helpdesk. It aimed to establish a mechanism to address specific challenges encountered by governments and PROs in their EPR journey.
The specific objectives of this EPR Helpdesk pilot included, but were not limited to:
- Assessing the status of EPR in the selected countries and providing policy recommendations for effective EPR implementation based on international best practices.
- Identifying a PRO model well-suited to the selected countries’ contexts, including fee structures and financial mechanisms.
- Giving technical advice and guidance on efficient waste collection, segregation, and recycling systems and technologies
- Facilitating multistakeholder discussions and developing a PRO strategy to ensure the inclusion of the informal sector.
Or, listen to the recap and look through the presentation of this pilot project here!
The EPR Helpdesk
The EPR Helpdesk offers customized technical assistance upon request for the design and implementation of EPR to governments and producer responsibility organizations (PROs), as well as other relevant stakeholders such as informal sector organisations. And not only through the pilots: With its diverse pool of EPR experts, the Helpdesk supports short-term requests as well. Together with WWF and the PREVENT Waste Alliance, UNEP has taken a leading role in its formulation and execution.
To receive support, simply fill out the form below!
Request help from our expert pool
Do you have a specific question regarding your EPR journey? Simply send in a request and we will match you with an expert who can provide the guidance you require. Whether you seek valuable peer exchanges, supportive colleagues, or in-depth consultancy services, we are committed to finding the the most appropriate solution for your specific needs.
For medium- and low-income countries, the helpdesk is generally free of charge. However, the actual fee, or lack thereof, will be determined on case-by-case basis. Fill out the form below to request help!
Join as an expert
Join our expert pool and explore a platform where experts like you lead the global conversation on EPR and shape the discourse on its future trajectory. Benefit from an exclusive expert circle within our community space and be our first point of contact in all matters EPR. With its global outreach, GAP for EPR is the ideal platform for experts to share their expertise and be at the heart of EPR innovation.
If you’re keen on joining, the first step is to join the PREVENT Waste Alliance. Apply for a PREVENT membership and specify your interest in the EPR Expert Pool. Already a PREVENT member? Then proceed to the form below!