WCEF2025 Accelerator Session | Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Challenges and Opportunities in the LAC region and beyond

Rewatch the Global Action Partnership for Extended Producer Responsibility at this year’s World Circular Economy Forum! In our session “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Challenges and Opportunities in the LAC region and beyond,” the GAP for EPR highlights the unique experiences, hurdles, and opportunities faced by Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries in implementing EPR systems.

WCEF2025 Accelerator Session
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Challenges and Opportunities in the LAC region and beyond
May 15
5PM CEST | 12PM BRT
Online | English, with Spanish Translation
Watch the recording, or
Check out the slides!

The expert panel, comprising public, private and informal sector representatives, delves into the complexities of defining roles and responsibilities within an EPR system of different actors involved. They also discuss how to adapt this policy approach to local needs, including establishing the right set-up and defining producers appropriately. The panellists share best practices for including informal workers and explore potential next steps to accelerate the circular economy through EPR systems.

While the main focus of the session is on experiences at national level, the Global Action Partnership for Extended Producer Responsibility (GAP for EPR) presents internationally relevant knowledge and shares strategies for overcoming challenges in adopting and implementing EPR systems. 

Agenda

Welcome, by Valérie Boiten (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

Welcome Note, by Timon Lepold (German Embassy Brasilia)

Keynote Speech: Opportunities and challenges of implementing EPR schemes across the LAC region, by Pedro São Simão (World Economic Forum)

Panel Discussion: Roles & responsibilities within an EPR system, with an introduction by Angelina Schreiner (PREVENT Waste Alliance)

• Mariana Nascimento, Secretariat of Urban Environment, Water, and Environment Quality, Brazil
• Germán Ruiz Méndez, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), Mexico
• Soledad Mella, International Alliance of Waste Pickers
• Sergio Bon, CEMPRE Argentina

Q&A

Attendees and watchers gain insights into successful case studies that have enabled countries in the LAC region and globally to advance their circular economy goals. This session proved to be a dynamic exchange of ideas, aiming to foster collaboration and inspire actionable strategies for enhancing EPR globally. 

This event is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2025 (wcef2025.com). On social media, you can follow the event with #WCEF2025.