On 12 October, the European Brands Association organised a panel looking at how the forthcoming Circular Economy Act proposal can enhance the effectiveness of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes and support the development of a truly integrated single market for secondary raw materials. 

European Economic and Social Committee member Cillian Lohan, who has been closely involved in the ECESP since it was set up, was one of the panellists. He coordinated the work on the Committee's opinion on the Circular Economy Act, and between that and his expertise on the circular economy, he was well placed to speak about EPR, harmonisation, and an efficient single market for secondary raw materials.

He said that the EESC opinion's main argument was clear: rather than focusing on efficiency and recycling, Europe needs to adopt a systemic approach to resource use. Sufficiency, rather than efficiency, should be the guiding principle, and transition brokers can help steer this change. That, after all, is their role: they help reshape traditional business models into more circular ones.

Moving on to what makes an EPR scheme successful, Cillian identified data transparency and trust as the lynchpins. These schemes need to be geared towards reducing waste and promoting circularity – they are not just a way to make money. 

The panel also explored market fragmentation and the impact of a patchwork of national rules and regulations. Cillian felt that the response had to start by mapping existing regulatory requirements. The point is not to add yet another layer: it's to ensure a coherent, clear framework. Action is needed to bring about EU-level harmonisation, in order to prevent that patchwork turning into barriers.

Lastly, Cilian spoke about the role of stakeholders. The Circular Economy Act aims to boost the supply of and demand for secondary raw materials – but it must also ensure that the EU regulatory framework on circularity is implemented properly by involving all relevant stakeholders, including industry and civil society. A purely topdown approach will not achieve its goals; consumers, workers and businesses are all part of the process.