> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Circular Economy Act must strengthen EU’s EPR framework, say industry voices - URL: https://packaging-europe.ghost.io/circular-economy-act-must-strengthen-eus-epr-framework-say-industry-voices/ - Published: 2026-10-01T12:01:37.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-01T12:01:37.000Z - Author: Packaging Europe staff writers - Tags: Business, Circular Economy, Collaboration, Regulation & Compliance, Sustainability [**EUROPEN**](https://www.europen-packaging.eu/?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) **is one of 40+ industry associations calling for a stronger Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework under the Circular Economy Act – setting their sights on a functioning European market for secondary raw materials.** In a [joint statement](https://www.europen-packaging.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/A-Circular-Economy-Act-delivering-a-strong-EU-market-for-secondary-raw-materials.pdf?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io), the signatories describe the Circular Economy Act as a ‘unique opportunity’ to develop a strong market for secondary raw materials in the EU and strengthen Europe’s circular economy. They urge policymakers to develop a ‘more harmonized and enforceable’ framework to tackle fragmentation between national systems – allowing materials to circulate across Member State borders, supporting investment in recycling infrastructure, and boosting the continent’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The statement sets out six priorities for the Circular Economy Act, including a directly applicable EU EPR Regulation based on Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This is expected to reduce fragmentation, align national rules, and unlock a functioning market for secondary raw materials. Another priority is producer-led EPR governance. According to the statement, producers should retain decision-making responsibility, alongside EPR fees dedicated to waste management. Furthermore, the organizations call for the Circular Economy Act to establish transparent reporting across the waste chain and mandate standardized, comparable data – a move anticipated to increase accountability and pave the way for more performance-based EPR systems. EPR funds should be earmarked for the waste streams they finance and directed to the infrastructure required to meet the EU’s recycling targets, the signatories say. The statement also encourages policymakers to reduce administrative complexity by removing ‘unnecessary’ requirements and harmonizing EPR registration. This is anticipated to reduce barriers to cross-border compliance, especially for SMEs and micro-enterprises. Additionally, the signatories believe that separate collection infrastructure should be improved, with more public awareness set to achieve reliable waste streams and improve recycling rates. Altogether, the signatories aspire to introduce the necessary systems, investments, and market conditions to ensure that materials are collected, recycled, and re-circulated at scale across the continent. “At a time when there is growing momentum to complete Europe’s Single Market, the Circular Economy Act is a unique opportunity to build a strong market for secondary raw materials,” says Sévrine Pereira Teixeira, senior public affairs manager at EUROPEN. “The fragmentation of EPR systems creates barriers to cross-border activities, deters investment in recycling capacity and ultimately holds back the development of a truly European circular economy. “Europe needs a harmonized and enforceable framework that unlocks investment in recycling and strengthens Europe’s competitiveness and strategic autonomy." Earlier this year, EUROPEN commissioned a study arguing that the Circular Economy Act must address [‘wide’ performance gaps](https://packagingeurope.com/news/report-urges-eu-to-close-national-epr-gaps-via-circular-economy-act/14472.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) between national packaging EPR systems across the EU. The study warns that targets alone will not unlock circularity across the bloc, and that investment in collection, sorting and recycling systems is also required. EUROPEN has also advocated for a [digital One-Stop Shop](https://packagingeurope.com/news/joint-statement-calls-for-digital-one-stop-shop-for-epr-in-eu-legislation/14303.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) to be introduced for EU-wide EPR implementation under the Circular Economy Act. A single ‘point of entry’ for all mandated EPR schemes is anticipated to ease administrative burdens on companies and authorities alike. **If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:** [***The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-packaging-innovation-in-2026/13821.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: what to know in 2026***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-in-2026/13960.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/report-the-ultimate-guide-to-global-packaging-sustainability-regulation-in-2025/12733.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io) [***Strategic learnings from the Sustainable Packaging Summit***](https://packagingeurope.com/features/strategic-learnings-from-the-2025-sustainable-packaging-summit/13750.article?ref=packaging-europe.ghost.io)