Choosing the Right EPR Partner in the Philippines

Choosing the right Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is a critical step in meeting the plastic responsibility targets set out in the Philippines' Extended Producer Responsibility Law. This guide provides clear, practical criteria to help sustainability leads, legal teams, and brand owners evaluate and select the PRO that’s right for their company.

Understanding the EPR Mandate

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 (RA 11898) mandates that Obliged Enterprises (OEs)—large manufacturers, importers, or brand owners using plastic packaging in consumer products—take responsibility for the lifecycle of their plastic packaging.​

Key Requirements:

• Register an EPR Program with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), detailing the volume and type of plastic packaging used, recovery targets, and implementation plans.
• Meet progressive recovery targets: 20% by the end of 2023, 40% by 2024, increasing by 10% annually until 80% by 2028.
• Submit an annual EPR Compliance Audit Report (ECAR), audited by an independent third-party auditor.​

Modes of Compliance:

OEs may fulfill their obligations through:

• Individual Implementation
• Collective Action
• Forming or authorizing a Registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)​

Evaluating a PRO: Key Criteria

When considering a PRO, OEs should assess the following:

• Regulatory Alignment: Does the PRO have a registered EPR Program with DENR-EMB and have they fulfilled the reporting obligations in the previous compliance years?
• Transparency and Verification: Does the PRO provide access to fully traceable, third-party verified recovery and diversion aligned with regulatory expectations?
• Comprehensive Support: Can the PRO manage not just EPR Program but also support your footprint reduction targets and waste recovery requirements?
• Audit and Reporting Readiness: Does the PRO offer an auditable and verifiable database for monitoring and recording of waste recovery and diversion?
• Policy and Systems Engagement: Is the PRO a leading voice in and contributor to discussions on EPR infrastructure, credit mechanisms, and policy refinement with national and global stakeholders?
• Sectoral Understanding: Does the PRO understand your industry and the functional role plastic packaging plays in your operations, including implications for design, supply chain, and compliance strategies? Does the PRO provide access to benchmarking through its network of members?
• Scalability and Geographic Reach: Can the PRO deliver compliance solutions at the required scale and across your operating locations?
• Cost-Value Justification: While PRO membership and EPR compliance services involve costs, do the services provided offer commensurate value in terms of compliance assurance, operational efficiency, and strategic insight?​

Introducing PCX

Founded in 2019 by environmental advocate and social entrepreneur Nanette Medved-Po, PCX was founded with a clear mission: to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and ensure that no plastic ends up in nature.

PCX has operated as a Producer Responsibility Organization since the ratification of the Philippine EPR law. Now, it supports a community of over 100 member-companies across industries such as consumer goods, retail, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, construction, and hospitality—demonstrating its ability to adapt solutions to different operational contexts and sustainability goals.

A key differentiator of PCX is its ability to operate as a global yet local organization—supporting projects across 12+ countries while delivering solutions grounded in local regulatory realities and infrastructure conditions.

PCX’s work is delivered through two distinct but complementary entities—PCX Markets and PCX Solutions—which together provide companies with end-to-end support for EPR compliance and plastic responsibility.

PCX Markets is a plastic responsibility platform that helps partners meet their sustainability goals. It provides strategic insight, supports upstream and downstream solutions, and operates a transparent, third-party verified marketplace that activates a global ecosystem to collect, transport, and responsibly process plastic waste.

As a Certified B Corporation, PCX Markets meets rigorous standards for environmental and social impact, governance, and accountability.

Key Services and Capabilities:

• Verified plastic credits for EPR compliance or voluntary sustainability goals
• Bundled access to recycled plastic resin and recovery services
• Full traceability and audit readiness through third-party verification
• Support for impact reporting and responsible marketing claims
• Over 125 million kilograms of plastic waste diverted from nature
• Operating in 12+ countries, with more than 250 million kilograms in annual project capacity

PCX Solutions is a PCNC accredited non-profit organization providing policy, research, and advisory services to advance plastic responsibility at both systemic and corporate levels. Founded in the Philippines, it works with governments, businesses, communities, NGOs, and the informal sector to develop frameworks that support the circular economy, EPR implementation, corporate stewardship, and sustainable waste management.

It is also the developer and custodian of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS)—an impact-based framework for verified plastic crediting that channels funding into recycling infrastructure and community-based recovery systems.

Key Focus Areas and Services:

• Policy development and regulatory advisory on circular economy and EPR
• Plastic footprinting, benchmarking, and stewardship planning
• Development and governance of the Plastic Pollution Reduction Standard (PPRS)
• Collaboration with DENR, multilateral organizations, and global forums on plastic credits and systemic interventions
• Advocacy and research to support the elimination of unnecessary plastic and improved recovery systems

Ongoing Engagement and Capability Building

• PCX is committed to continuous engagement with its partners. Each quarter, PCX organizes events focused on:​
  • Capability Building: Workshops and training sessions to enhance understanding of EPR requirements and best practices.
  • Legislative Feedback: Forums to gather input on upcoming legislation and regulatory changes.
  • Inspiration Sessions: Talks and panels featuring thought leaders in sustainability and circular economy initiatives.​

Final Considerations

The EPR Law in the Philippines places clear legal responsibilities on businesses. For those choosing to work with a PRO, it's important to select a partner that combines operational credibility, policy engagement, and strategic understanding of your industry.​

With established systems, verified recovery solutions, policy expertise, and ongoing engagement through capability-building events, PCX provides the structure and support necessary to navigate compliance—and contribute to a more circular economy.

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