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Analysing Quality Assurance Levels in Extended Producer Responsibility-Regulated Recycling Sectors

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  • Thomas R. Hobé

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University)

  • Walter J. V. Vermeulen

    (Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University)

Abstract

This article describes and analyses quality assurance systems (QASs) in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulated recycling industry. It is explained how the European Union sees EPR as an instrument to reduce waste and emissions. QASs could steer the recycling industry towards corporate sustainability and high-level value retention recycling, but it is unclear how current QASs function. This article fills this research gap. Policymakers and Producer Responsibility Organisations can use the results to improve QASs to increase sustainability and circularity in the EPR-regulated recycling industry. Research on this has been carried out through case studies that describe and analyse specific product groups. The QASs are assessed on their functioning in terms of how they work towards higher value retention options by increasing the level of cascading, and by assessing the implementation of corporate sustainability, including the incentive to improve business practices continuously. Besides, auditing processes are evaluated on whether they work towards recognised audit principles for good auditing. It is concluded that current QASs in the EPR-regulated recycling industry are not working towards higher value retention options and changes must be made to organise this. Four recommendations are given.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas R. Hobé & Walter J. V. Vermeulen, 2024. "Analysing Quality Assurance Levels in Extended Producer Responsibility-Regulated Recycling Sectors," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 4(4), pages 3025-3057, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:4:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00439-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00439-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kieran Campbell‐Johnston & Erik Roos Lindgreen & Giovanni Mondello & Teresa Maria Gulotta & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Roberta Salomone, 2023. "Thermodynamic rarity of electrical and electronic waste: Assessment and policy implications for critical materials," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(2), pages 508-521, April.
    2. Olle Olsson & Anders Roos & Ruben Guisson & Lena Bruce & Patrick Lamers & Bo Hektor & Daniela Thrän & Damon Hartley & Jens Ponitka & Jakob Hildebrandt, 2018. "Time to tear down the pyramids? A critique of cascading hierarchies as a policy tool," Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 7(2), March.
    3. Kieran Campbell‐Johnston & Maurits de Munck & Walter J. V. Vermeulen & Chris Backes, 2021. "Future perspectives on the role of extended producer responsibility within a circular economy: A Delphi study using the case of the Netherlands," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(8), pages 4054-4067, December.
    4. David Foster & Jan Jonker, 2003. "Third generation quality management: the role of stakeholders in integrating business into society," Managerial Auditing Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 18(4), pages 323-328, June.
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    7. Jessika Luth Richter & Sahra Svensson‐Hoglund & Carl Dalhammar & Jennifer D. Russell & Åke Thidell, 2023. "Taking stock for repair and refurbishing: A review of harvesting of spare parts from electrical and electronic products," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(3), pages 868-881, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thi Yen Anh Tran & Sunil Herat & Prasad Kaparaju, 2025. "Current Status and Compliance Management of EPR Regulations for Packaging Waste in Vietnam," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(4), pages 2921-2958, August.

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