5 Ways SMEs Can Manage the Financial Pressures of EPR Compliance
Managing compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses, which often operate with limited budgets and resources.
However, there are several strategies these businesses can adopt to minimize costs while fulfilling their obligations:
Join Collective Compliance Schemes
Many small producers can benefit from joining compliance schemes or producer responsibility organizations (PROs). These schemes handle much of the administrative and logistical burden of EPR compliance, including waste collection, recycling coordination, and reporting. While there are membership fees involved, the shared infrastructure and expertise significantly reduce costs compared to setting up independent compliance systems.
EFF can help your business simplify this process further! Instead of having to contact and coordinate with a unique PRO for each of your products and markets, partner with EFF with our EPR Attorneys will be your one-stop shop for organising all of these communications. We'll work with you and the PROs to understand each of your requirements and make sure that you are meeting all your obligations in a timely manner.
Start simplifying your processes now!
Schedule a meeting with one of our experts and see how we can help your business.
Contact us to discuss the details.
Focus on Sustainable Product Design
Redesigning products and packaging to align with recyclability and sustainability standards can reduce modulated EPR fees. For instance, using mono-material packaging or incorporating higher levels of recycled content can lower financial obligations under many EPR frameworks. Proactive eco-design can also appeal to eco-conscious customers, creating long-term business value beyond compliance.
Leverage Government and Industry Support
Many EU countries provide financial incentives, grants, or technical support to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to sustainable practices. These programs can offset costs related to material changes or compliance adjustments. Additionally, working with industry bodies or trade associations can provide access to shared resources and advocacy for proportionate EPR policies.
Streamline Reporting and Data Management
EPR regulations often require detailed reporting, which can be resource intensive. Investing in software or consulting services that automate data tracking and reporting can save time and reduce the likelihood of penalties for inaccuracies. Partnering with compliance specialists ensures that reporting is efficient and adheres to regulatory deadlines.
Engage in Supply Chain Collaboration
Smaller businesses can work closely with suppliers to source compliant materials or optimize packaging for sustainability. By collaborating on eco-friendly solutions, they can achieve compliance while sharing costs and innovation efforts across the supply chain.
By combining these approaches, small businesses can not only reduce the financial burden of EPR compliance but also turn it into an opportunity for innovation and competitive advantage. Strategic adaptation to EPR policies positions these businesses to thrive in a marketplace increasingly driven by sustainability.
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Author: Marie Gomersall, Sustainability Expert at EFF
Sources:
- ECommerce Europe (2020) “Extended producer responsibility policies that work for SMEs in Europe - Ecommerce Europe”
- ECommerce Europe (2023) “ECOM-Position-paper-PPWR-April-2023.pdf”
- Medium (2024) “Support of Micro, Small, And Medium Enterprises with EPR Registration Business. | by Ascgroup | Medium”
- PWC (2023) “How will Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) affect you? | PwC”
- Reusable Packaging Europe (2024.) “The Extended Producer Responsibility in the EU: from fragmentation to harmonisation - Reusable Packaging Europe”