WWF provides free online resources relevant to anyone working in the field of sustainability or seeking to better understand the workings of the circular economy and the challenges of plastics management.

Sustainable Business - Going Circular: The EPR Guide

The first course, Sustainable Business - Going Circular: The EPR Guide, available here: https://www.wwf-akademie.de/catalog/view/course/id/215was produced in cooperation with the PREVENT Waste Alliance, an international platform bringing together organisations from the private sector, academia, civil society and public institutions. The material presents the fundamentals of the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and outlines how it can be applied to support circularisation and more efficient packaging waste management. It is aimed at companies active in the packaging value chain - from consumer goods manufacturers to retailers - as well as waste management service providers. It is also useful for non-governmental organisations, researchers and students interested in concrete implementation of circularity principles and environmental policies.

Plastic: material and waste problem

The second course, Plastic: material and waste problem, can be accessed here: https://www.wwf-akademie.de/catalog/view/course/id/685. It provides a comprehensive overview of plastics as a material and as a waste management issue. Its properties, areas of industrial applicability, as well as its negative effects on the environment, biodiversity and health are addressed. The course provides a clear perspective on the global challenges in plastic waste management and proposes solutions adapted to the different economic and legislative contexts. It is relevant for ESG specialists, researchers, students or anyone leading projects on plastic reduction, developing circularity strategies and adapting to current regulations.

Both these resources provide a wealth of information and case studies that can be utilised in ESG projects and strategies. We recommend that they are fully browsed, with a focus on direct applicability to internal policy and operational planning.

Other resources

In addition to the courses, WWF provides many downloadable resources:

EPR infographic - a visual summary of key concepts

WWF EPR position paper - official EPR guidelines

Briefing for governments and business - concrete steps for implementation

Legal framework study - examples from South East Asian countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, etc.)

15 Basic Principles for EPR - basic principles for efficient schemes

For those preparing ESG strategy updates, these courses can help to clarify key concepts and identify concrete directions for action.