Sustainable Business Practices to Protect Planet and Promote Growth

When Less is More: Rethinking Plastic Waste Through EPR

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As we conclude the second year of compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, we are reminded that this journey is not just about meeting targets or filing reports, but a bold step in the country’s fight against plastic pollution.

The principle at the core of EPR is that companies must take full accountability for the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire lifecycle, especially after consumer use. When a company imports, manufactures, and utilizes plastic packaging as part of its operations, it assumes a role in the circulation of plastic lifecycles. The responsibility does not conclude at the point of sale or distribution. Rather, it extends to the post-consumer phase, where the environmental impacts of plastic waste become most visible. If a business derives economic value from plastic, it is only reasonable that it also assumes responsibility for the proper management and recovery of that material after its intended use.

Where Are We Now? Two-Year Progress Worth Noting

In 2023 (the first year of compliance), results showed us what can happen when industries, communities, and government work together with a shared purpose. Over 917 enterprises have registered in the EPR. Obliged enterprises collectively surpassed the 20% plastic waste diversion requirement, showcasing not just a willingness to follow the law but a commitment to leadership in environmental responsibility. Some enterprises even achieved over 100% recovery, signaling that a new corporate culture around plastic responsibility is taking root. With this, more than 124,000 tons of plastic packaging were kept out of our environment through EPR.

In 2024 (the second year of compliance), the 40% recovery and diversion of plastic packaging footprint target is now in the hands of both the government and private sector, and many companies are gearing up to exceed it. We have yet to see the results after the June 30, 2025 deadline.

Needless to say, progress is not without its challenges. From navigating audit requirements to rolling out upstream solutions like reuse and refilling systems, lack of infrastructure, data gaps, and reporting complexity, companies have been learning on the go. While many stepped up, others fell short, and show cause orders were issued to businesses that failed to comply. Thanks to continued dialogue between the DENR and the stakeholders, adjustments have been made from audit timelines to portal (https://epr.emb.gov.ph) usability and the clarification of what constitutes a valid plastic footprint. With more structured guidance, the 2025 reporting year is poised to be a turning point not just in compliance but in sustainability leadership.

Where Do We Go From Here? Shifting Gears In Its Third Year

Ensuring plastic circularity depends not only on recycling plastic waste but also on promoting responsible production. While progress in almost any industry is often linked to higher productivity, it is likewise tied to increasing garbage output, particularly plastics.

The success of the EPR Act goes beyond simply doing good. It represents a bold shift toward a systemic change to address the problem at the source rather than simply offsetting and recycling.

With the 50% recovery and diversion target looming for 2025, here are things to watch out for:

Strategic Focus on Upstream Solutions
The reduction of virgin plastic use through design, reuse, and recycled content is a smart path forward both financially and operationally.
Infrastructure Investments
There is a growing interest in infrastructure projects that reward companies for investing in long-term solutions like recycling facilities and logistics systems through plastic credit mechanisms. As the volume of recovered plastic increases, more infrastructure is needed to process it sustainably.
Stronger Enforcement and Accountability
As EPR policies mature, enforcement mechanisms are expected to tighten. Regulators may increase audits, impose penalties for non-compliance, and require more rigorous documentation. This shift aims to ensure that commitments translate into measurable action, reinforcing trust in the system and leveling the playing field for compliant organizations.
Standardized Reporting and More Transparent Systems
The launch of the EPR public portal will enhance transparency, enable traceability and validation of results, and prevent double-counting. Expect this to become the backbone of EPR credibility.
Micro and Small Enterprises (MSMEs) and New Materials Next in Line
MSMEs may be next to enter the compliance landscape. Likewise, other materials beyond plastic packaging (e.g., glass, e-waste, paper) are being considered for inclusion.

With consistent implementation and transparent monitoring, the Philippines can redefine its role from being one of the top plastic polluters to becoming a regional leader in sustainable waste management. This transformation will not happen overnight, but with commitment and cooperation, it can set a powerful precedent for other nations facing similar challenges.

In the coming years, one can only hope that more companies will rise to the challenge, more waste will be kept out of our oceans, and more momentum will build toward a future where the Philippines is no longer a cautionary tale of marine litter but a global model for solving it.

The direction we take from here will define whether the EPR Act delivers a lasting impact or fades as a missed opportunity.

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