Indonesia moves to enforce mandatory EPR for plastic packaging

INDONESIA – The Indonesian government is preparing to roll out compulsory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations this year, marking a major shift in the nation’s approach to plastic waste management.

Until now, EPR has remained voluntary, but the new framework will legally require producers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their packaging.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq confirmed that the government is finalizing the necessary regulations to ensure enforcement.

He explained that EPR obligations will cover businesses across the supply chain, including upstream manufacturers, importers, and downstream distributors.

Under the scheme, producers will be tasked with funding and overseeing the collection, sorting, recycling, or safe disposal of their plastic packaging waste.

“This step aligns with Indonesia’s priority of promoting a circular economy, encouraging innovation, and expanding investment in waste management infrastructure across more than 500 districts and cities. Momentum must not be lost,” says Nurofiq.

Linking EPR with energy transition

Alongside regulatory reforms, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry is advancing waste-to-energy (WtE) projects as part of Indonesia’s broader renewable energy transition.

These projects aim to divert waste away from landfills by using advanced processing technologies that convert plastics and other materials into electricity and alternative fuels.

“As instructed by the President, I have been tasked with accelerating opportunities to develop waste-to-energy technology. The potential for WtE facilities in Indonesia is enormous,” Nurofiq said.

He added that regional governments will be closely monitored on progress, with monthly assessments and public reporting on waste reduction performance.

“For example, the first release showed that not a single district or city was fundamentally clean. Hopefully, this will change by next month, and these measures will be part of our broader law enforcement efforts.”

Industry implications

Mandatory EPR is expected to significantly reshape Indonesia’s packaging industry by pushing companies to redesign packaging for recyclability, scale up collection networks, and invest in sustainable materials.

Packaging producers will likely face higher compliance costs but also new opportunities in recycled content markets and green innovation.

The move positions Indonesia alongside other Asian economies, such as India and South Korea, that are tightening packaging regulations to curb plastic pollution while advancing circular economy goals.

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