EPR Forum highlights industry and government push for scalable, inclusive circular economy solutions

Pasay City, Philippines — April 23, 2026 — Government officials, major corporations, recyclers, and development partners gathered at the 2026 Philippine EPR Forum to highlight progress and address gaps in the country’s implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law.

Organized by the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss how to scale recovery systems, strengthen value chains, and improve coordination across sectors.

The event, held at the SM Prime Headquarters, carried the theme “Beyond Compliance: Celebrating Circularity and Social Inclusion in the EPR Landscape.”

EPR shifting from compliance to system implementation

Engr. Jess Reyes, President of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability

PARMS President Engr. Jesus G. Reyes said the country is entering a new phase of EPR implementation, where the focus is no longer on adoption but on improving systems.

“We are no longer at the starting point. The question is no longer whether EPR works—but how we make it work better, at scale,” Reyes said.

He added that industry players remain committed to strengthening EPR systems through investments in recovery infrastructure, data systems, and partnerships.

“The private sector remains committed—not just to compliance, but to improvement. Because EPR only works when everyone shows up.”

DENR: EPR requires shared responsibility across sectors

Usec. Jonas Leones, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs

In a recorded keynote message, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones described EPR as a fundamental shift in how the country manages plastic waste. ne of the most impactful discussions centered on social inclusion. 

“EPR represents a shift in mindset. It is no longer simply a regulatory requirement; it is now a shared responsibility among producers, government, and communities,” Leones said.

He noted that companies are increasingly investing in recovery systems and recycling value chains, but emphasized that further work is needed to scale implementation and improve coordination.

“Moving forward, we must sustain our gains while addressing system gaps. This means scaling effective models, strengthening upstream interventions, and improving recovery systems.”

Leones also highlighted the need to integrate informal waste workers into formal systems.

“A sustainable system must also be an inclusive system,” he said.

Panel discussions highlight operational gaps and solutions

The Forum’s panel discussions focused on key challenges in implementing EPR at scale, particularly at the local level.

One of the most impactful discussions centered on social inclusion. For EPR to be operationally viable, we must bridge the gap between national corporate frameworks and local, grassroots waste diversion.

During the session on “Bridging Grassroots Diversion and National EPR Compliance,” waste diverters and community-based practitioners emphasized that national recovery targets depend on strengthening local systems.

Panelists cited the need for:

• Improved coordination between LGUs and private sector partners

• Investments in collection and sorting infrastructure

• Standardized data and traceability systems

They also stressed the importance of integrating the informal waste sector into EPR systems to ensure both efficiency and social inclusion.

EPR works when systems meet people. This conversation highlighted the role of waste diverters and communities in making circularity possible.

Consumer demand seen as critical to closing the loop

Another panel on behavioral change underscored the role of consumer demand in sustaining circular economy systems.The Forum featured presentations from leading companies demonstrating how businesses are translating EPR into operational systems from upstream design and reduction strategies to investments in recycling infrastructure and traceability systems.

While producers build infrastructure, the forum highlighted behavioral change as the ultimate engine. Driving consumer demand for sustainable choices is what will make these systems function effectively at scale.

Discussions focused on:

• Addressing stigma around recycled products

• Building trust through transparency

• Strengthening communication and education campaigns

Beyond compliance, this conversation focused on shifting mindsets, building trust and driving real demand for circular solutions.

Industry showcases scalable EPR solutions

Industry leaders driving EPR forward, sharing best pracrtices that turn compliance into real, scalable systems.

The Forum also featured presentations by major companies and rapid-fire pitches from waste diverters and recyclers, highlighting existing solutions that support EPR compliance.

These included:

• Investments in recycling infrastructure

• Traceability and data management systems

• Community-based recovery programs

Participants said these initiatives demonstrate that the technical and operational solutions needed for EPR implementation are already available and can be scaled further.

These organizations are showing how EPR can be implemented at scale through systems, partnerships, and innovation.

Call for sustained collaboration

The Forum concluded with a call for continued collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen EPR systems and ensure long-term impact.

Reyes emphasized that progress depends on coordinated action:

“This is how policy becomes progress—when government, industry, and communities work together to build systems that last.”

EPR in action. Systems. Scale. Collaboration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKICrR3KSA

Concept Note and Program File

Concept note_ 2026 EPR Forum.pdf

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