Circular Economy Package: EucoLight congratulates the European Union for the publication of the Circular Economy Package and the inclusion of minimum requirements for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

15 June 2018

On 14 June 2018, the Official Journal of the European Union published the EU Waste legislative package. This revises the Waste Framework Directive, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, the Waste Batteries directive and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive.

EucoLight, the European Association of lighting WEEE Compliance schemes warmly welcomes the EU publication of the package. In particular, EucoLight wholeheartedly supports the inclusion of minimum requirements for Extended Produced Responsibility (EPR), which it has been advocating throughout all the legislative process. EucoLight considers that robust EPR requirements are vital for a successful transition to the Circular Economy. Making them legally binding guarantees the best functioning of EPR schemes.

The commitment to improving transparency on financial matters and governance and operation of EPR organisations is appreciated, along with the recognition of EPR as a ‘shared responsibility’ for all actors involved, including distributors and waste producers. Marc Guiraud, EucoLight Secretary General, commented ‘EucoLight’s 19 members consider that these measures constitute an important step forward in establishing a fair and level playing field amongst EPR schemes. The inclusion of the need to develop a monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure that distance sellers comply with their EPR obligations is particularly significant, given the growth in online non-compliance detected by the members.’

About EucoLight:

EucoLight is The European association of collection and recycling organisations for WEEE lamps and lighting.  On behalf of its 19 members, EucoLight engages with everything related to the WEEE Directive, legislations and standards affecting the collection and recycling of WEEE lighting. EucoLight members collect and recycle, in aggregate, 79 % of the lamps waste collected in the 18 countries in which they operate.

EucoLight is the voice of European WEEE compliance schemes specialised in managing the collection and recycling of WEEE lighting; working to make the circular economy a reality for lighting products.

Founded mid-2015, EucoLight has quickly embarked into constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to provide expertise in the field of management and treatment of WEEE lighting and to promote the positive role of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes on the environment and society.

For more information, visit the EucoLight website www.eucolight.org, follow EucoLight on Twitter @EucoLight or contact the Secretary General, Marc Guiraud (marc.guiraud@eucolight.org).