Second-Generation EPR: What does It actually need to do? A WCEF2026 Accelerator session

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are increasingly recognised as a cornerstone policy measure for advancing the circular economy and expanding fast worldwide, with wide variations in design and ambition. More than 100 EPR-related policy actions are included across national circular economy frameworks. Yet, most schemes are designed to fund collection and recycling, which alone cannot deliver circular economy outcomes — a distinction that is often overlooked. EPR has delivered real wins on collection and cost-shifting, but it's time for second-generation EPR schemes that deliver beyond recycling.

This session convenes global policymakers and EPR experts to explore:

What have EPR schemes delivered so far, and what have they not?
How should new EPR schemes be designed and implemented to deliver circular outcomes?
What is the Global Action Partnership for EPR, and how can it support governments designing EPR schemes?

Drawing on global examples, the session will present a stocktake and diagnosis of EPR schemes worldwide, alongside design principles for more ambitious EPR that drives the circular economy upstream — including eco-modulated fees, ring-fenced funding, and the inclusion of waste pickers.

Preliminary agenda

Welcome and scene setting
A brief introduction to the session, framing why EPR is a critical policy lever for the circular economy and setting up the questions the session will explore.

Panel discussion: EPR experiences around the world
Panellists from different countries will share their experience implementing EPR schemes, discussing what has worked, where schemes have fallen short, and lessons learned along the way.

In conversation: Next generation of EPR
A forward-looking conversation on how EPR schemes need to evolve to drive circular outcomes beyond recycling, including a short introduction to the GAP for EPR and how it can support governments designing new schemes.

Closing remarks
A wrap-up of the key takeaways from the session and reflections on what second-generation EPR schemes could look like going forward.

This session is organised by the Global Action Partnership for EPR, a consortium including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, GIZ, OECD, UNEP, WWF, and PREVENT Waste Alliance, together with Circular Innovation Lab, with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation leading the organisation of this session, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) as institutional partner.

This event is an accelerator session at the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (wcef2026.com). On social media, you can follow the event with #WCEF2026.

Second-Generation EPR: What does it actually need to do?

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