Does it cost more to
buy from EPR accredited suppliers?
No. Responsible manufactures are well aware of
the laws, regulations, and best practices that exist. The EPR
audit checklist is primarily designed to ensure that audited
facilities are operating within the guidelines established by
State and Federal laws as well as published industry best practices.
How will I know if a supplier is EPR accredited?
All EPR accredited manufacturers are provided
permission to use the EPR logo on their products, literature,
and web sites for one year. In addition a certificate of accreditation
is provided to the supplier who can give that to customers to
verify their accreditation.
How will my customers know if my supplier is EPR
accredited?
There are four main ways your customers can be made aware of
your commitment to the environment:
- The EPR logo can be printed on your packaging
- Publicity articles can be sent to local media
- A list of accredited suppliers is published
on the EPR website: see who ...
- Point of purchase signs can be provided by your
EPR-accredited supplier upon request
Is there a difference between EPR accredited suppliers?
Yes. The accreditation audit provides a rating, as opposed to
a pass/fail grade. Suppliers can earn EPR accreditation with
a range of scores:
- Suppliers that are exceptional in all facets of the audit
earn a rating of Superior.
- Suppliers that are exceptional in most areas of the audit
and pass with above average scores in all areas receive a rating
of Excellent.
- Suppliers that receive a passing grade in all areas of the
audit are rated as Good.
- Suppliers that pass most areas are rated Needs
Improvement.
How will I know what my supplier's rating
is?
All EPR accredited suppliers are provided a detailed
post-audit report. This report explains how the suppliers‚ production
facility was graded in each category. This report is confidential
however customers have the right to, and should, ask the supplier
to share their rating with them so you can understand in what
areas your supplier may have room to improve.
Is the audit free?
No. Each audit costs $5000 per manufacturing facility. The accreditation
is valid for 12 months.
How will I know the audit is legitimate?
There are four reasons you can feel secure the audit results
are legitimate.
- It is expensive and time consuming to undergo the audit.
- Audits are performed by an independent, third-party
consultant who is paid a fee to perform the audit, regardless
of whether the facility is accredited or not.
- EPR-accredited companies agree to “spot” audits
which can be conducted unannounced at any time during the year
to ensure compliance with the audited criteria.
- The accreditation is only valid for one year and must be
re-accredited every year.
Does the accreditation cover an entire company?
No. EPR accreditation applies only to a specific manufacturing
facility. If a supplier has multiple facilities, each facility
must be accredited in order for the company to publicize itself
as EPR accredited.
