Durability: Can Extended Producer Responsibility Withstand Legal, Political, And Market Pressure?

What happens when circular economy policy meets real-world resistance?In this episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager puts extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems through a stress test—examining how they hold up under lawsuits, market volatility, political shifts, and public scrutiny. From California’s refined packaging regulations to Oregon’s ongoing legal challenge, and new EPR bills emerging in Illinois, New York, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, she unpacks the fast-moving U.S. policy landscape.But durability isn’t just about surviving headlines. Drawing lessons from Germany, France, Belgium, and British Columbia, Christine explores what makes EPR systems financially stable, legally defensible, operationally sound, and adaptable over time. She argues that lasting circular economy progress depends not only on strong funding mechanisms and governance—but on leaders who can navigate controversy and stay committed when the pressure rises.As U.S. EPR policy matures, the real question isn’t whether it will face resistance. It’s whether it’s built to endure it.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast