Explainer: Extended producer responsibility
24 August 26
Bianca Sofian
Extended producer responsibility is an environmental policy tool under which producers bear financial responsibility for managing products when they become waste. Depending on the product stream, that responsibility can include separate collection, transport, treatment, preparation for reuse, recycling, recovery, consumer information, data reporting, litter clean-up, and the operation or financing of take-back systems.
Slow progress for the environmental omnibus files
20 August 26
Bianca Sofian
Two out of the six environmental omnibus files have been discontinued by the Council. These are the files related to the obligation of producers to appoint authorised representatives when they sell products in member states outside their base in relation to their extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Last-mile delivery generates most emissions for parcel delivery in Belgium
11 August 26
Emilie Degand
BIPT published the results of its first collection of sustainability indicators for parcel delivery. Based on 2024 data, the indicators provided an overview of both the emissions generated by parcel deliveries in Belgium and the measures taken by postal operators to reduce their environmental impact.
Mobile operators cut emissions at fastest rate since 2019 but must do more to reach their 2030 target
27 July 26
Emilie Degand
The GSMA published its annual assessment report tracking the progress of the mobile industry in reaching its goal to achieve net zero by 2050.
Acceleration in data centre development prompts regulatory action across multiple jurisdictions
16 July 26
Bianca Sofian
Several countries are experiencing rapid growth in demand for data centre development, driven mainly by artificial intelligence. However, recognition that new data centres will require massive amounts of energy and water for their operation has led authorities across many countries and regions to announce new regulations and constraints.
CSRD: revised ESRS and voluntary standards adopted with few additional changes
09 July 26
Emilie Degand
The European Commission adopted on 3 July 2026 the delegated regulations on the revised ESRS and on the voluntary reporting standard for smaller companies. The regulation on the revised ESRS was largely unchanged from the draft version, while the Commission made some changes to the regulation on voluntary standards.