Producer Responsibility Research Articles

Potential effectiveness of extended producer responsibility: An ex-ante policy impact analysis for plastic packaging waste in Belgium, France, and Germany

Potential effectiveness of extended producer responsibility: An ex-ante policy impact analysis for plastic packaging waste in Belgium, France, and Germany

Bridging the regulatory gap: A policy review of extended producer responsibility for power battery recycling in China

Bridging the regulatory gap: A policy review of extended producer responsibility for power battery recycling in China

Policy pathways utilizing extended producer responsibility and eco-modulation frameworks for sustainable food packaging waste management in India: A review

Policy pathways utilizing extended producer responsibility and eco-modulation frameworks for sustainable food packaging waste management in India: A review

Design incentives of extended producer responsibility for electric vehicle producers with competition and cooperation

Design incentives of extended producer responsibility for electric vehicle producers with competition and cooperation

A qualitative analysis of Iranian consumers’ perspectives on improving sausage quality

Despite serious concerns regarding the health implications of sausage products, these items remain a staple in many families’ diets. Considering the significant role of consumers in shaping the market and the direct impact of these products on individuals’ health, the present study aimed to identify precise consumer expectations and practical strategies for improving the quality of these products. This qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews. The study population consisted of adults aged 18–60 living in Tehran, the capital of Iran. To maximize demographic and geographic diversity across different regions of Tehran, purposive sampling was employed. A total of 43 individuals participated in this study. Data were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA2020 software. The findings revealed that the primary concerns of consumers regarding sausage products are related to their quality, health, and safety. Participants emphasized the importance of improving the health and safety of these products as the most critical strategy. The enhancement of sensory characteristics, the implementation of appropriate packaging, the promotion of honesty in labeling, and the rigorous oversight by regulatory authorities were identified as other measures that could contribute to this goal. The results of this study demonstrate that consumers seek higher-quality and safer sausage products. It is therefore the responsibility of producers to meet consumer expectations and fulfill their social responsibility to protect public health by enhancing production standards, using high-quality and natural raw materials, and providing accurate information to consumers.

Mapping the Distribution and Discharge of Plastic Pollution in the Ganga River

The Ganga River, a lifeline for millions and a critical freshwater ecosystem, is under threat from escalating plastic pollution driven by widespread usage and inadequate disposal practices. While marine ecosystems have garnered extensive research attention, freshwater systems—particularly in the Global South—remain underexplored, leaving critical gaps in understanding plastic pollution’s sources and pathways. Addressing these gaps, the study documents the prevalence and typology of plastic debris in urban and underexplored rural communities along the Ganga River, India, aiming to suggest mechanisms for a reduction in source-based pollution. A stratified random sampling approach was used to select survey sites and plastic debris was quantified and categorised through transect surveys. A total of 37,730 debris items were retrieved, dominated by packaging debris (52.46%), fragments (23.38%), tobacco-related debris (5.03%), and disposables (single-use plastic cutleries) (4.73%) along the surveyed segments with varying abundance trends. Floodplains displayed litter densities nearly 28 times higher than river shorelines (6.95 items/m2 vs. 0.25 items/m2), with minor variations between high- and low-population-density areas (7.14 items/m vs. 6.7 items/m2). No significant difference was found between rural and urban areas (V = 41, p = 0.19), with mean densities of 0.87 items/m2 and 0.81 items/m2, respectively. Seasonal variations were insignificant (V = 13, p = 0.30), but treatment sites displayed significant variance (Chi2 = 10.667, p = 0.004) due to flood impacts. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored waste management strategies integrating industrial reforms, decentralised governance, and community-driven efforts. Enhanced baseline information and coordinated multi-sectoral efforts, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), are crucial for mitigating plastic pollution and protecting freshwater ecosystems, given rivers’ significant contribution to ocean pollution.

Perceived barriers of dairy producers to the adoption of selective antimicrobial therapies for non-severe clinical mastitis and at dry-off in dairy cattle: A focus group study in Ontario, Canada.

Perceived barriers of dairy producers to the adoption of selective antimicrobial therapies for non-severe clinical mastitis and at dry-off in dairy cattle: A focus group study in Ontario, Canada.

Sustainability Challenges in the Fashion Industry: Managing Waste and Ethical Labor Practices

Objectives: To investigate the sustainability issues facing the fashion industry, with a focus on waste management and ethical labor standards. To evaluate consumer awareness, buying behavior, and company sustainability projects. To address the key environmental degradation and unethical labor practices within the fast fashion industry. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used, including: Consumer surveys, Expert interviews, Case studies, Secondary sources. Regression analysis was applied to evaluate the relationship between consumer knowledge and sustainable fashion choices. Results: Consumer knowledge about sustainability does not notably affect sustainable fashion choices, highlighting a gap between awareness and actual shopping behavior. Despite CSR efforts, ethical labor practices remain a significant issue, with garment workers suffering from low pay, poor working conditions, and few rights. The industry faces short product lifecycles, excessive textile waste, and the problem of greenwashing, which undermines sustainability efforts. Conclusion: Recommendations include: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems for waste management, Governmental interventions to enforce supply chain transparency. Financial incentives to support sustainable consumption. Systemic change may be driven by strengthening corporate responsibility, consumer education, and investing in circular economy models (recycling, upcycling, resale). Achieving a more ethical and ecologically responsible fashion sector requires collective efforts from legislators, fashion companies, and consumers.

Current Status and Compliance Management of EPR Regulations for Packaging Waste in Vietnam

Abstract This study examines the current situation and compliance management of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging waste in Vietnam, providing critical insights into EPR awareness, challenges, and compliance. Using a questionnaire survey that yielded 82 valid responses through mixed sampling methods, the research highlights varying levels of understanding of EPR obligations, with academics displaying the highest knowledge. While most participants demonstrate basic awareness, deep understanding and preparedness remain limited. Notably, many respondents reported that they prefer to rely on recycling service companies to fulfil EPR obligations. Larger companies with annual revenues exceeding 300 billion VND were found to be the most proactive with their EPR implementation plans; however, the study identified significant barriers to EPR compliance, including data collection, legislative modifications, and monitoring capacity for authorities. Recycling activities, financial burdens, and waste management procedures for companies were also barriers. To address these challenges, the research emphasises the importance of clear regulations, an online reporting system, and a multi-stakeholder approach. Targeted strategies, such as financial and technical support, implementation guidelines, and robust monitoring mechanisms, are proposed to enhance compliance and effectiveness. This study aims to contribute knowledge to the establishment of a more sustainable and efficient EPR framework for packaging waste management in Vietnam.

Tanggung Jawab Hukum Produsen atas Makanan Berbahaya dalam Perspektif Strict Liability

This study examines the legal responsibility of producers for the circulation of hazardous food products through a strict liability approach, with a case study on the Okko Bread product which was proven to contain sodium dehydroacetate (NDA)—a substance prohibited for use in bread based on BPOM regulations. The research method used is normative empirical, namely combining analysis of laws and regulations, especially Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection, with empirical facts from the findings of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) and the responses of producers. The results of the study show that producers do not fully carry out their legal obligations, both in terms of information transparency and responsibility for consumer losses. The application of the strict liability principle still faces obstacles in implementation, mainly due to weak supervision, low legal awareness of producers, and minimal consumer literacy. These findings indicate the need to strengthen regulations, increase legal sanctions, and educate the public so that the principle of absolute liability truly provides fair protection for consumers. This study emphasizes the importance of integration between law enforcement, business ethics, and the active role of society in creating an effective and sustainable consumer protection system.

Exploring the feasibility of extended producer responsibility for efficient waste management in Lebanon

Inadequate waste management poses a critical environmental challenge worldwide, particularly affecting global South Countries where limited infrastructure intensifies environmental degradation. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a potential strategy that holds manufacturers accountable for their products’ end-of-life management. While EPR has proven successful across Global North countries and is gaining traction in emerging markets, Lebanon has yet to embrace this approach despite its ongoing waste crisis. This study explores EPR’s potential in Lebanon through in-depth interviews with stakeholders from the plastic and electronics industries, government bodies, and NGOs. While international companies demonstrated familiarity with EPR principles, many local electronic retailers showed limited understanding. Several obstacles hinder EPR adoption: the pervasive informal waste sector, economic instability, substantial recycling infrastructure costs, knowledge gaps, and weak governance marked by corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency. Despite these challenges, industry stakeholders express keen interest in sustainable waste practices, with some companies already launching voluntary take-back initiatives. Effective EPR implementation in Lebanon requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, manufacturers, NGOs, and communities, supported by strong legislation and enforcement. The findings highlight how EPR can be tailored to assist Lebanon and other Global South countries in overcoming common waste management challenges.

Shaping sustainable consumption practices: Changing consumers’ habits through lifestyle changes and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes

Shaping sustainable consumption practices: Changing consumers’ habits through lifestyle changes and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes

Closing the loop of flexible plastic packaging in Spain: A review of the role of extended producer responsibility and circular economy strategies

Closing the loop of flexible plastic packaging in Spain: A review of the role of extended producer responsibility and circular economy strategies

The Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicle Batteries

The quick adoption of EVs is important in minimizing the production of greenhouse gas emissions, yet the green contribution of EV batteries—from production to disposal— aggravates people. The piece examines the life cycle of EV batteries, examining their carbon contribution from raw material mining to environmentally friendly disposal. Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are needed in EV batteries, mined on a large scale that leads to deforestation, land degradation, and water resource contamination. Mining has social problems as well, such as exploitation of labor and geopolitical conflicts. Battery manufacturing is energy-intensive, usually grid-based, employing fossil fuel, with associated emissions. EVs have lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles, provided clean electricity powers them. Life cycle analysis studies indicate that they pay back upfront emissions in the long term, though efficiency and battery life are needed to achieve best dividends. Recycling and waste disposal are significant issues. Few lithium-ion batteries are recycled because of economic and technological limitations. Combustion and landfilling are hazardous with chemical leakage and fire hazards. Second-life use and advanced recycling are green technologies that can reduce damage. New recycling technologies such as direct recycling and hydrometallurgical recycling enable efficient recovery of precious metals. Recycling existing batteries for energy storage prolongs their lifespan and enables renewables. There is an emerging circular economy for EV batteries with regulations such as extended producer responsibility and battery passports encouraging ethical sourcing and recycling. Future batteries like solid-state and sodium-ion provide promising alternatives with improved recyclability. A comprehensive approach—innovation, regulation, and consumer restraint—is needed to make sustainable mobility with minimal environmental footprint a reality.

Engineering Innovations for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Recycling: A Systematic Review of Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions in Circular Economy Integration

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) recycling poses significant engineering challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding material integrity, energy efficiency, and integration into circular manufacturing systems. This systematic review evaluates recent advancements in mechanical innovations, tooling strategies, and intelligent technologies reshaping PVC recycling. An emphasis is placed on machinery-driven solutions—including high-efficiency shredders, granulators, extrusion moulders, and advanced sorting systems employing hyperspectral imaging and robotics. This review further explores chemical recycling technologies, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and supercritical fluid extraction, for managing contamination and additive removal. The integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, notably digital twins and artificial intelligence, is highlighted for its role in predictive maintenance, real-time quality assurance, and process optimisation. A combined PRISMA approach and ontological mapping are applied to classify technological pathways and lifecycle optimisation strategies. Critical engineering constraints—including thermal degradation, additive leaching, and feedstock heterogeneity—are examined alongside emerging innovations, like additive manufacturing and microwave-assisted depolymerisation, offering scalable, low-emission solutions. Regulatory instruments, such as REACH and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), are analysed for their influence on machinery compliance and design standards. Drawing from sustainable manufacturing frameworks, this study also promotes energy efficiency, eco-designs, and modular integration in recycling systems. This paper concludes by proposing a digitally optimized, machinery-integrated recycling model aligned with circular economy principles to support the development of future-ready PVC reprocessing infrastructures. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, advancing sustainable polymer recycling.

Determination of the stability of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for dogs based on celecoxib

Stability studies are an important task in developing finished veterinary medicinal products. The stability of medicines ensures that their therapeutic properties are preserved for several years in storage. Stability should be under the close attention of the developer, given that state control bodies do not check this indicator, and it is the manufacturer's responsibility. In order to obtain data on the change in the quality of the developed solution for injection based on celecoxib over time, under the influence of various environmental factors, and to establish recommended storage conditions, stability tests of the resulting drug were conducted. As a result of the stability study, it was proposed to establish a shelf life of 2 years and 28 days for the resulting solution after the first puncture of the stopper in a dark glass bottle at a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C and a humidity of 60 ± 5 %, in the original packaging. Chromatograms demonstrate high similarity between the standard sample and the drug if the prominent peaks coincide in retention time and intensity. The peak spectra confirm the identity of celecoxib in the test drug and the standard sample. The difference in the spectra may indicate possible degradation of the drug or the presence of impurities. Further studies will be the next stage of pre-registration testing aimed at developing the section “Data reflecting the risk assessment for the environment”, which is a mandatory material of the part “Chemical, pharmaceutical and biological documentation” of the dossier for this veterinary drug. Instructions will be created to dispose of expired or defective batches of the drug, preventing harmful environmental effects.

Correction to: Non-accountability as post-colonial harm: rethinking the responsibilities of arms producers

Correction to: Non-accountability as post-colonial harm: rethinking the responsibilities of arms producers

A System Dynamics Prospective Analysis of Extended Producer Responsibility Policies: A Business for a Few

A System Dynamics Prospective Analysis of Extended Producer Responsibility Policies: A Business for a Few

Sustainable Risk Governance in Maritime Transport: Embodied Carbon Emissions and Responsibility Distribution Across BRICS Coastal Economies

Maritime carbon responsibility allocation can guide sea level rise and storm surge mitigation in BRICS coastal zones by addressing emissions-driven climate risks. This study analyzes the characteristics of and differences in embodied carbon emissions in the Maritime Transport Industry of the BRICS countries from the perspectives of producer responsibility, consumer responsibility, and shared responsibility, based on a global value chain framework. Using non-competitive input–output data from the OECD and introducing a processing trade adjustment mechanism, the study calculates the carbon emissions of the five countries from 1995 to 2018. The empirical results show that under producer responsibility, carbon emissions in China and South Africa’s maritime transport sectors are mainly driven by exports, with production-side emissions significantly higher than consumption-side emissions. Under consumer responsibility, emissions in India and Brazil are driven by the demand for imported goods, reflecting their high reliance on external markets. In shared responsibility accounting, China’s cumulative carbon emissions account for 66.81% of the total emissions from the five countries, highlighting its central role in global supply chains. The study also finds that the differences in carbon emissions among the countries are mainly due to differences in economic structures, trade dependencies, and consumption patterns. Different responsibility accounting methods have a significant impact on carbon emissions, with export-oriented countries tending to weaken producer responsibility, while import-oriented countries seek to avoid consumer responsibility. The shared responsibility mechanism, through the dynamic allocation coefficient α, provides a practical approach to balancing efficiency and equity in global carbon governance.

The Evaluation of Corporate Sustainability Strategies in Italy: Challenges and Opportunity of Recycled Packaging

The scientific literature and practice have demonstrated that the old linear economic model “extract—produce—use and throw away” is no longer sustainable due to the enormous accumulation of waste and the related production of CO2. Consequently, there is a need to adopt more sustainable development systems that include recycling resources and producing goods derived from recycled material. The examined literature highlights that SMEs are the least likely to make technological or paradigm changes in favor of sustainable choices due to a lack of resources and managerial competencies. This study presents a mixed-method approach based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. The qualitative analysis aims to identify, in the Italian context, measures that encourage companies to reduce the use of plastics in favor of sustainable alternatives. The quantitative analysis, based on secondary data, aims to identify the characteristics of the firms that benefited from the aid identified in the previous analysis. Thus, this study may support corporate environmental sustainability strategies in Italy by identifying specific characteristics and profiles of those companies willing to obtain public incentives for the use of recycled materials in their business and production processes. The results show that small and micro-sized companies obtained most of the analyzed incentives (almost 76% in terms of number of applications), and the most affected areas by these measures are the agriculture and food industries. Therefore, economic incentives can improve sustainable performance for small and micro-sized enterprises in the wide agri-food sector, while the legislator must adopt different tools, such as bans, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and sustainability reports for medium-large sized companies of other crucial industrial sectors such as construction and automotives.