From requirements to competitive advantage with the producer responsibility

The burning platform: Challenges and uncertainty

You face a challenging task in complying with the upcoming legislation. Uncertainty about the price, the
environmentally graduated contributions and the detailed requirements for data create frustration. The producer responsibility place high demands on data requirements, and many companies lack the resources and systems to manage this. Fortunately, there are solutions under development, and at VANA we are ready to assist our members with these challenges.

"At VANA, we help you translate the regulatory framework into practice so that you can implement the producer responsibility is best possible way based on your specific starting point, says Rikke Halkjær Kristensen, Consultant Circular Economy, and she continues: "It is advantageous to divide the producer responsibility into different maturity levels. Levels 1 and 2 involve understanding the requirements and being compliant with them, respectively. But when we reach level 3, we know the requirements and have collected our data and are ready to use it all strategically in the business. By the time you reach level 4, you will have fully implemented the producer responsibility into your business procedures and processes."

Change towards greener consumer behaviour

Sustainable packaging is no longer just a technical aspect, but a crucial element of the consumer decision-making process. Studies show that consumers are increasingly opting for environmentally friendly packaging and expect reduction of unnecessary packaging. Plastic pollution poses significant concern, and the consumers regard the companies as responsible for reducing plastic consumption.

Use it to your advantage: Create a positive brand image

Sustainable packaging can work as a guiding principle towards consumer wishes. By taking responsibility, reduce packaging, and communicating this clearly and factually, you may create a positive brand image. Design choices and innovation within packaging solutions, including transport packaging, may differentiate you in the market and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Be brave, stand out, and take responsibility

Standing out is not only about choosing more environmentally friendly materials, but also about communicating these choices clearly to the customers. By offering competitive prices and easing the process for the consumers with simple sorting methods, you might gain a significant competitive advantage.

Data as a business strategy tool

Data is crucial for translating the producer responsibility into practice. It not only provides an overview of packaging and lifecycle, but it is also crucial to influencing the overall costs, collaborating effectively across
the value chain and meet ESG reporting requirements. Data becomes the documentation of your accountability and sustainable business.

Economy and environment

Understanding the fundamentals of economics is essential to control the costs of the producer responsibility. Parameters such as reduction of material quantities, increased recyclability, and design according to recycling principles may have a positive impact on both the environment and the economy. Community and cooperation across companies through a PRO (Producer Responsibility Organisation) like VANA may optimise your prices and streamline waste treatment.

Data as documentation

Without data, we have no documentation for our initiatives, and this may lead to accusations of greenwashing. Future requirements, such as the proposed EU Green Claims Directive, will require measurable evidence of green initiatives. Global harmonisation and standardisation will be crucial in an increasingly international implementation of the producer responsibility.

Transform challenges into opportunities

Rikke Halkjær Kristensen, Consultant Circular Economy, concludes the quote with: "It is crucial to understand and implement the mechanisms of the producer responsibility properly from the start. From obtaining an understanding of the parameters and the basic economic principles to start using data as a strategic tool. In this way, you can position yourselves as market leaders within sustainable packaging. At VANA, we undertake the task of managing the producer responsibility together and jointly create a future with less waste and more accountability."