The LIFE4EPR project (LIFE23-GIE-ENV-LIFE4EPR) aims to support the EU’s transition towards a circular economy by enhancing the effectiveness and harmonisation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes across Europe. Funded under the LIFE Programme, the project brings together leading experts, producer responsibility organisations (PROs), policymakers, industry actors, and civil society to explore innovative, practical, and policy-relevant pathways for making EPR a real driver of eco-design, waste prevention, and high-quality recycling. 

The project is designed in response to three main findings regarding EPR schemes in the EU: (a) the absence of an EU-wide overview of EPR schemes at Member State level, (b) the lack of harmonisation among existing producers/products registers, and (c) the lack of knowledge on environmental effectiveness of EPR programmes 

LIFE4EPR aims to enhance the effectiveness, governance, and cost efficiency of EPR schemes by studying current practices, developing a technical tool, and delivering policy recommendations. Through stakeholder engagement, the project will map EPR schemes, benchmark case studies, and test a harmonised EU-wide register. Findings will inform policy guidance for national EPR schemes. A lasting impact will be ensured by creating a knowledge-sharing community of academia, practitioners, and stakeholders focused on EPR. By doing so, the project will enable EPR to deliver on its potential as a key policy tool for achieving the ambitions of the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the Waste Framework Directive, and the upcoming revision of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). 

Project Objectives 

• Provide a comprehensive overview of existing EPR schemes and PROs in the EU, covering legal, institutional, operational, economic, environmental, and social aspects. 
• Identify and evaluate main challenges and opportunities, considering diversity of national contexts, waste stream specificities, stakeholder needs, and environmental improvement potentials. 
• Propose recommendations and best practices to improve EPR design, implementation, and performance, focusing on governance, enforcement, transparency, accountability, innovation, and cooperation. 
• Assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an EU-wide harmonised EPR producer register, including standardized product lists and governance aspects. 
• Raise awareness of EPR schemes and PROs by disseminating results to producers, citizens, consumer groups, EU institutions, Member States, waste operators, local authorities, civil society, and the public. 

Recognising the diversity of EPR schemes and waste streams across the EU, the project combines geographic and thematic analysis. It focuses on streams such as batteries, EEE, packaging, tyres, and textiles—especially where new legislation or innovative practices are emerging.