The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Symposium held on 22 August 2024 was a pivotal moment in Sri Lanka’s ongoing journey toward sustainable waste management. Organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and Biodiversity Sri Lanka (BSL), the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and environmental advocates to explore innovative solutions for plastic waste. With the support of the EU SWITCH-Asia PLASTICS project, this symposium underscored the urgent need for collective action in addressing the growing plastic pollution crisis.
EPR is a policy tool designed to make producers accountable for the end-of-life impact of their products. This means they are responsible for ensuring proper collection, recycling, or disposal, encouraging sustainable product design from the outset. In Sri Lanka, EPR has gained momentum since the launch of the EPR Roadmap in 2020, a framework aimed at reducing plastic waste by integrating circular economy principles.
Key Takeaways from the Symposium
The symposium was structured into four sessions, each focused on a different aspect of EPR’s role in transforming Sri Lanka’s environmental landscape:
- Transforming Sri Lanka’s Private Sector towards Sustainable Practices:
This session featured regional case studies from countries like South Africa and India, which have successfully implemented EPR. South Africa’s producer-led packaging agreements, for example, have demonstrated the effectiveness of private sector-driven waste management initiatives. Similar models could be adapted to Sri Lanka’s context, promoting greater accountability and collaboration among businesses.
- Accelerating Circular Economy and Green Finance:
A dynamic panel discussion highlighted the crucial role of green financing in driving the adoption of EPR. By leveraging financial incentives and regulatory frameworks, Sri Lanka can accelerate the transition to a circular economy where materials like PET and HIPS plastics are not only collected but also recycled and reintegrated into the production cycle.
- Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Economy through Plastic Management:
Industry leaders shared insights on innovative plastic management strategies that reduce carbon emissions while ensuring efficient recycling processes. A case in point was the digital Deposit Refund System (DRS) discussed in collaboration with local stakeholders, which involves QR code-tagged PET bottles that consumers can return for a refund, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling.
- The Future of EPR in Sri Lanka:
The final session took a deep dive into the evolving landscape of EPR. Discussions centered on Sri Lanka’s voluntary EPR model, which is set to mandate reporting and collection targets for producers. As PET recycling grows, this model could scale to include more materials, further driving the country toward its sustainability goals.
A Collaborative Path Forward
Sri Lanka’s commitment to EPR reflects a broader global trend toward extended producer responsibility as a means to reduce plastic waste. With the participation of over 90% of private sector stakeholders expressing their willingness to implement the EPR roadmap, the country is well-positioned to lead by example in the region. Collaboration among manufacturers, recyclers, and government bodies is key to ensuring that the EPR system can be successfully scaled, with the ultimate goal of reducing Sri Lanka’s environmental footprint.
The success of the voluntary EPR model so far has shown that Sri Lanka can make strides in mitigating plastic pollution. As the CCC and BSL continue to engage with the private sector, the lessons learned from countries with established EPR systems, like South Africa and India, will help guide the local implementation of this innovative model.
By embracing EPR, Sri Lanka is not only tackling plastic pollution but also moving toward a more sustainable, low-carbon future. This symposium highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, innovation, and accountability in ensuring that EPR continues to be a driving force for environmental stewardship in the country.
