Product Stewardship , also known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers liable for the costs of responsibly managing their products at end of life. Producers (usually brand owners) have the greatest control over product design and marketing and therefore have the greatest ability and responsibility to reduce toxicity and waste. Under the Shared Responsibility Model, the brand owner (producer) arranges for and finances the collection and appropriate recycling or disposal of their products at the end of their useful lives; local governments, community groups and local retailers help educate consumers about location and logistics of collection and drop-off sites and services (based on a manufacturer-financed system); consumers take their product to designated sites and services; and Government provides oversight and enforcement. Brand owners do not have to become collectors and recyclers themselves, but they must arrange for these services and pay for them, individually or collectively with other brand owners.

 

Envision supports the introduction of Product Stewardship policy and programmes in New Zealand and provides the following services: