The EPR-optimal packaging choice
Packaging made from recycled paper pulp hits every criterion that Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fee schedules reward: widely recycled, compostable, low carbon, and made from a renewable feedstock. That translates directly into the lowest fee tier in every North American program.
EPR Cost Savings Calculator
Run your own EPR cost analysis. Select your province or US state, enter your annual volume and packaging weights, and see your estimated EPR fee exposure for plastic vs. moulded fibre — side by side, in real time.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that makes the companies who put packaging into the market financially responsible for its end-of-life management — collection, sorting, and recycling or disposal.
Instead of municipalities bearing the cost of recycling your packaging, you do. The fee you pay is calculated by the tonnage of packaging you sell, modified by how recyclable (or not) that material is.
"Non-recyclable materials like EPS carry surcharges of 40–60% above the base rate. Molded fiber attracts a 40–45% discount."
Canada has led North America on EPR, with Ontario's Blue Box program, BC's PPRS, and Quebec's ÉEQ all fully operational. The US is rapidly following — Maine and Oregon are already live, California is in active rulemaking, and 7 more states are close behind.
How Fees Are Calculated?
Base rate ($/tonne of packaging placed on market) × recyclability factor. Materials with poor recovery infrastructure like EPS and PS carry upward multipliers. Molded Fiber carries a discount.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
Non-compliance can result in fines, import restrictions, and loss of retail distribution. Major retailers are increasingly requiring EPR compliance documentation from suppliers.
Who Pays for EPR?
Any company that produces, imports, or sells packaged goods into a covered jurisdiction. This includes brand owners, first importers, and retailers selling private label products.
When Does It Affect You?
If you sell packaged goods in Ontario, BC, Manitoba, or Quebec today, EPR fees apply now. US companies selling into Oregon, Maine, or Colorado are also already liable. The rest are coming fast.
Why Molded Fiber Is Different?
Moulded fibre is accepted in curbside collection, compostable, and recycled through paper streams — giving it the highest recyclability rating and the lowest EPR fee category in every program.