Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is transforming supply chains and financial strategies worldwide—are you prepared?
At Icon Americas 2025, Ed Struzik, a seasoned expert in sustainability and regulatory compliance, will shed light on the critical shifts in EPR regulations and what they mean for finance and procurement leaders.
Whether you manage supplier relationships, oversee cost structures, or drive corporate sustainability, EPR is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s a financial and operational imperative.
What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
EPR shifts the burden of product lifecycle management from consumers and municipalities to producers and brands. This means companies are now held accountable for the collection, recycling, and disposal of their products—well beyond the point of sale.
These regulations have already gained traction in Europe, Canada, and parts of the U.S., impacting industries such as packaging, electronics, batteries, and textiles.
The compliance landscape is rapidly evolving, with state-by-state variations in the U.S. making it even more complex for multinational organizations.
Why Should Finance & Procurement Care?
EPR compliance isn’t just a legal checkbox—it directly affects cost structures, supplier contracts, and risk management. Here’s why finance and procurement professionals should be paying attention:
- Rising Compliance Costs – Non-compliance penalties, fees, and taxes associated with EPR regulations can quickly escalate. Proactive planning helps avoid financial shocks.
- Supplier & Contractual Implications – Procurement teams must re-evaluate supplier agreements to ensure EPR-compliant materials, packaging, and end-of-life disposal solutions are integrated.
- Data & Reporting Obligations – Finance teams will need to track product lifecycles, waste volumes, and recycling metrics to meet new transparency requirements.
- Competitive Advantage – Companies that align early with EPR standards can differentiate themselves in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, securing stakeholder trust and investor confidence.
- Shifting Consumer & Investor Expectations – Sustainability-driven procurement is becoming a financial priority as consumers demand eco-conscious products and investors assess environmental impact in decision-making.
Navigating EPR Compliance: What You Can Do Now
- Educate & Align Stakeholders – Ensure finance, procurement, and supply chain teams understand how EPR impacts cost structures and operations.
- Audit Supplier Agreements – Work with suppliers who provide EPR-compliant materials and packaging to reduce long-term financial exposure.
- Invest in Circular Economy Strategies – Explore reuse, recycling, and sustainable material sourcing to optimize compliance and cost-efficiency.
- Leverage Data & Technology – Implement tools for tracking waste metrics, reporting obligations, and supplier compliance to stay ahead of regulations.
Join Ed Struzik at Icon Americas 2025
At Icon Americas 2025, Ed Struzik will provide actionable insights into navigating EPR regulations and their financial implications. Whether you’re in finance or procurement, this session is your opportunity to future-proof your organization against evolving compliance risks while driving sustainable cost savings.
📅 March 16-18, 2025
📍 JW Marriott, Nashville, TN
Secure your spot today
