On 12 November 2025, the EPR Club hosted a hybrid lunch debate in Brussels on “EPR governance in evolving production and consumption patterns: lessons learned from the French system.” The event brought together experts, social enterprises, and producers to discuss the current challenges and opportunities in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
Chris Sherrington from EUNOMIA provided an overview of EPR, highlighting key legislative concepts such as necessary costs, cost coverage, fee modulation, and the distinction between monopolistic and competitive schemes. He emphasized that EPR is a flexible tool but not a silver bullet, recommending its use alongside other instruments like public procurement and sector-specific regulations.
Julien Bouzenot from Rudologia examined the French EPR framework, where eighteen schemes operate. He noted progress in collection, which has reached sixty five per cent, and in recycling, which has reached thirty-two per cent, but he also highlighted gaps in coverage and financial resources. Fees have risen over time and are expected to increase significantly, reaching eight billion euros in 2029 compared with two point three billion euros in 2023. He shared recommendations from reports produced by the French administration to improve governance and performance.
Romane Colleu of CITEO, a French PRO, discussed mechanisms for stakeholder consultation and transparency, such as CiFREP and CPP. She illustrated how PROs can take operational roles, for instance by supporting recycling solutions for low-value plastics and developing secondary material markets, and suggested improvements under the Circular Economy Act.
The debate also featured EMMAUS, a social enterprise managing over 500 second-hand shops in France. EMMAUS highlighted its crucial role in furniture reuse and textile recycling, collaboration with PROs and municipalities, and the need for social enterprises to have a voice in EPR governance, ideally through independent regulatory bodies with binding powers.
The discussion concluded with insights from ECOMAISON, a French PRO overseeing furniture and other household items, emphasizing the continued need for effective governance in EPR schemes.
For more details and access to the event materials, visit the event page.