​If you're a large packaging producer in the UK, you've probably heard about the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules. From 1 January 2025, all household packaging must be assessed using something called the RAM. RAM stands for Recyclability Assessment Methodology. It's a system created by Defra for large producers to measure how recyclable t...

What is a Deposit Return Scheme?A Deposit Return Scheme is a recycling initiative designed to encourage people to return used beverage containers by charging a small refundable deposit. In practice, it often looks like this: When purchasing a drink, you (as a consumer) are charged an additional fee on any beverage bottle subject to the scheme. After consu...

​The European Union is making a significant move towards sustainable packaging, through the introduction of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). PPWR marks a transformative shift in how packaging is designed, labelled, utilised and disposed of across the EU.Currently, packaging labelling requirements vary widely between EU countries. While...

​Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS, are a group of synthetic chemicals. The US Environment Protection Agency have identified and recorded nearly 15,000 synthetic chemicals that belong to the group. However, they have been shown to display extreme persistence within the environment and organisms, leading them to be dubbed 'forever chemical...

​At Lorax EPI, sustainability isn't just a service we provide—it's a value we live by.While we spend our days helping global brands meet their environmental compliance goals, we also recognise the importance of leading by example, in our own operations. That's why we created The B Hive—our internal sustainability team dedicated to reducing our own environ...

​As the global push for circularity gains momentum, post-consumer recycled (PCR) content policies are emerging as key levers for change, none more so than in Australia. With governments introducing increasingly ambitious targets for recycled content in packaging and other materials, Australia is positioning itself as a leader in driving sustainable produc...

​Portugal is gearing up to introduce a national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers in 2026, aiming to boost recycling rates and reduce waste. The system will be managed by SDR Portugal, a non-profit organization, with Sensoneo providing the digital infrastructure to support the scheme. Portugal's first DRS was initially planned...

​In March 2025, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a 182-page report summarising the results of the 2024 stakeholder consultation on waste sortation labelling. The original stakeholder consultation, which ran from 2 September to 30 September 2024, sought to gather perspectives from industry experts on the potential design of t...

​Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging exist in five U.S. states: Maine, California, Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota. These laws make producers financially and logistically responsible for managing packaging waste. Eco-modulation fees, which reduce costs for sustainable packaging choices, are a key feature. Maine was first (2021), foll...

​Producers selling packaged goods in the EU will no longer be able to put the Green Dot on their packaging.We've all seen the Green Dot: a green circle made of two arrows, normally placed on the corner of packaging. But what does it mean?The original idea behind placing the Green Dot on packaging was to show that the producer had paid their EPR fees to a ...

​With only six months remaining until the first report is due to the Federal Plastics Registry, does your company feel prepared to complete it? This blog will explore who is required to report to the registry, what information must be included in the report, and the latest updates on the implementation of the Canadian government's reporting portal.The obl...

The EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which came into force on 17th August 2023, introduces stricter requirements for batteries and waste batteries. It aims to create a more sustainable, circular and responsible battery industry within the EU. This regulation repeals the Battery Directive 2006/66/EC with effect from 18th August 2025 and amends the W...

​Turkey is making significant strides toward environmental sustainability by implementing a nationwide Deposit Return System (DRS), locally known as the Deposit Management System (DYS). This initiative plays a crucial role in Turkey's Zero Waste Project, aiming to boost recycling rates and foster environmental awareness among its citizens. Although the DR...

The UK's new Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) system is transforming how businesses that manufacture, import, or sell packaging and packaged products are held accountable for the waste they generate. With 2024 bringing a whirlwind of updates and more expected in 2025, many companies feel overwhelmed by the definitions, terminology, and de...

To tackle the growing issue of packaging waste, the European Union has introduced the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This Regulation is a European Union initiative that aims to reduce packaging waste, promote recycling, and ensure the sustainability of packaging materials. It builds upon the existing Packaging and Packaging Waste Directi...

​We've heard about it many times. Expanded polystyrene (sometimes called Styrofoam) food containers are some of the most frequently banned items in the US. Businesses have used biodegradable alternatives, with varying degrees of success. However, the sticking point for both individual and business compliance is that each place in the US can make its own l...