What does Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) entail for manufacturers?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach under which manufacturers are given the responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including end-of-life management. This means that manufacturers must consider what happens to their products once consumers are done with them, which typically involves organizing and financing the recycling or proper disposal of their products. EPR encourages companies to design their products in ways that minimize environmental impact, promoting sustainability by ensuring that waste management aligns with the principle of sustainability.

While the other options may touch on important aspects of corporate responsibility, they do not encapsulate the core premise of EPR. Financial incentives for production, tax reductions, and investments in renewable energy sources may encourage sustainable practices, but they do not specifically relate to the accountability manufacturers have for the lifecycle of their products. EPR shifts the burden of waste management from governments and consumers to producers, thus aligning economic and environmental objectives.