Unpacking Extended Producer Responsability with Jason Bergquist of RecycleMe

This conversation delves into the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), focusing on its role in promoting sustainable packaging practices among producers. Jason Bergquist from RecycleMe shares his decades of material management knowledge while discussing the economic incentives that drive producers to adopt more environmentally friendly materials and the implications of state EPR policies on recycling efforts. Takeaways EPR is fundamentally about encouraging sustainable practices. Producers are incentivized to use recyclable materials through fees. State policies play a crucial role in shaping producer behavior. Sustainable packaging is a key focus of EPR initiatives. Economic drivers can lead to significant changes in material usage. The concept of covered material categories varies by state. Producers face higher costs for non-recyclable materials. EPR aims to create a circular economy for packaging. Collaboration between states and producers is essential. The future of packaging relies on sustainable innovations. EPR, sustainable packaging, recycling, economic incentives, producer responsibility BEYOND Circular helps brands achieve resilience and improved sustainability through waste reduction, alternative material sourcing and circular systems strategies.  https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-circular-solutions/www.linkedin.com/in/justincarven