News & Events

GlobalPSC News – September 2012

Duelling Data and Reports on EPR

Two recently-released reports offer conflicting views on the value of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for consumer packaging in the U.S. The Global Product Stewardship Council Executive Committee has reviewed both reports and is sharing this analysis with GlobalPSC members.

Unfinished Business: The Case for Extended Producer Responsibility for Post-Consumer Packaging (“the As You Sow report”) was released by As You Sow in July 2012. Evaluation of Extended Producer Responsibility for Consumer Packaging (“the SAIC report”) was prepared by SAIC for the Grocery Manufacturers Association and released in September 2012.

The As You Sow report estimates that in 2010, the value of discarded packaging in the U.S. was $11.4 billion and argues that shifting financial responsibility from taxpayers to producers through EPR “can lead to profits in processing used materials, reductions in carbon emissions and energy used to produce packaging, and thousands of new “green” jobs in collection and processing.”

The SAIC report argues that EPR does not cause producers to change packaging design and selection, is not the principal factor in higher recycling rates, can result in higher costs that can be avoided through alternative approaches, and results in a net cost to the community.

Both reports compare various programs in the U.S., Canada and Europe, but use the programs and data selected to reach different conclusions. Both reports show how program data, particularly for recycling rates, can be selectively examined in order to argue from different perspectives. This reinforces the GlobalPSC’s objective of understanding the strengths, weaknesses and particular characteristics of programs and policies and understanding the circumstances under which alternative approaches work best. Detailed analysis has been posted on the Knowledge Base available to GlobalPSC members.

 

GlobalPSC and PSI Extend Discounted Membership Opportunity!

After a successful trial period, the GlobalPSC and Product Stewardship Institute (PSI) are pleased to extend reciprocal 20% discounts on memberships and partnerships for another year. From now through September 2013, current PSI partners will receive a 20% discount when signing up for GlobalPSC membership, and current GlobalPSC members will receive a 20% discount when joining PSI. It’s that simple! What’s more, new applicants interested in joining both PSI and GlobalPSC may take advantage of both discounts. Details are available here. To take advantage of this special offer, email russ@globalpsc.net or rachel@productstewardship.us.

 

PSI Webinars and Discounts for GlobalPSC Members

The PSI is providing all GlobalPSC Members with a special discount rate to participate in the webinar: “The Roles of Government and Industry in Attaining High Performing Product Stewardship Programs.” GlobalPSC members may register for US$90 (a 25% discount on the regular rate). Please note your GlobalPSC membership affiliation on the registration page to take advantage of this opportunity! For GlobalPSC members who unable to attend live, the webinar recording will be available for US$65. See the PSI website for more information.

Events Update

The Global Product Stewardship Council is hosting or presenting at the following events:

• WasteMINZ Conference, 16-19 October in Hamilton, New Zealand*
• Zero Waste Summit 2012, 22-23 October in Melbourne, Australia*
• Round Tables on Sustainable Packaging – 24 October in Sydney, Australia; 26 October in Melbourne, Australia*
• Electronics Recycling Asia, 13–16 November in Guangzhou, China
• Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo, 21-22 November in Sydney, Australia*
• Webinar – Roles of government and industry in attaining high performing product stewardship programs*, 27 November

At each of these events, we will be promoting the involvement of GlobalPSC members and our activities.

* GlobalPSC member discounts available

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