Second-Generation EPR: What does it actually need to do? – a WCEF2026 accelerator session

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are increasingly recognised as a cornerstone policy measure for advancing the circular economy and expanding fast worldwide, with wide variations in design and ambition. More than 100 EPR-related policy actions are included across national circular economy frameworks. Yet, most schemes are designed to fund collection and recycling, which alone cannot deliver circular economy outcomes — a distinction that is often overlooked. EPR has delivered real wins on collection and cost-shifting, but it’s time for second-generation EPR schemes that deliver beyond recycling.

Second-Generation EPR: What does it actually need to do? – a WCEF2026 accelerator session
Friday, 18 September 2026
11:00 – 12:30 IST (UTC +05:30)
Location: TBD

This session convenes global policymakers and EPR experts to explore:

• What have EPR schemes delivered so far, and what have they not?
• How should new EPR schemes be designed and implemented to deliver circular outcomes?
• What is the Global Action Partnership for EPR, and how can it support governments designing EPR schemes?

Drawing on global examples, the session will present a stocktake and diagnosis of EPR schemes worldwide, alongside design principles for more ambitious EPR that drives the circular economy upstream — including eco-modulated fees, ring-fenced funding, and the inclusion of waste pickers.

This event is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (wcef2026.com). On social media, you can follow the event with #WCEF2026.