I am a qualified lawyer with more than 30 years of professional experience in the field of extended producer responsibility (EPR), waste management, and circular economy policy. I began my career in the early 1990s with the German Dual System (DSD) and later played an active role in shaping European cooperation through PRO EUROPE. Since 2013, I have been the Managing Director of EXPRA, representing non-profit, industry-owned PROs and advocating for effective, transparent, and producer-governed EPR systems worldwide.
EXPRA
The Extended Producer Responsibility Alliance is a global not-for-profit association representing 38 producer responsibility organisations (PROs) operating packaging and product EPR systems. EXPRA brings together industry-owned, non-profit PROs from Europe and beyond, promoting good governance, cost-efficient systems, and high-quality recycling through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and international cooperation.
What inspired you/ your organisation to join ISWA, and how has ISWA helped in your career?
EXPRA joined ISWA because of its unique global reach and its ability to connect technical expertise, policy discussions, and operational experience across regions. ISWA provides an important neutral platform where different waste-management models can be discussed openly. For EXPRA, ISWA is a valuable partner in global dialogues on EPR, capacity building, and sustainable waste management bringing together all relevant stakeholders to implement and run the best waste management systems for our society.
What are the biggest projects/ initiatives in waste management that your organisation has achieved so far?
EXPRA has contributed to shaping EPR policy at European and international level, including inputs to EU legislation, global plastic-pollution discussions, and capacity-building initiatives in low- and middle-income countries. We actively support knowledge exchange between PROs, promote best-practice system design, and participate in EU-funded innovation projects that integrate reuse, recycling, and traceability.
What are your biggest challenges so far?
One of the biggest challenges is the increasing fragmentation of EPR implementation, including so called “state-run” (being a taxation system in reality) or profit-driven models that weaken producer responsibility and long-term investment certainty. Ensuring data quality, transparency, and proper governance—while avoiding greenwashing or inflated recycling claims—remains a continuous challenge across many regions. Moreover, the hesitation to be inspired by best practices from other countries and the tendency to stick to current practices.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues in the waste sector that should be addressed today?
The most urgent issues include the lack of reliable financing for collection and recycling, insufficient separate collection, poor data quality, and weak enforcement. Globally, many systems still focus on quantity rather than quality of recycling. Without robust governance and stable funding mechanisms like EPR, a truly circular economy will remain out of reach.
What are the trends in waste management excites you the most?
I am particularly encouraged by the growing focus on system governance, traceability, and eco-modulation of EPR fees. Digitalisation, better data management, and integration of reuse alongside recycling offer real opportunities to improve environmental outcomes—if they are embedded in well-designed EPR and holistic waste management frameworks.
What role do you see ISWA play in driving sustainable practices globally?
ISWA plays a crucial role as a bridge between regions, disciplines, and stakeholders. It can help translate technical knowledge into policy-relevant guidance, support capacity building, and promote evidence-based approaches to waste management—especially where regulatory frameworks are still developing. Being the only global network of all involved stakeholders, not being “just” the representation of the interests of one special group puts ISWA in a great position!
How can ISWA members collaborate more effectively to address shared challenges?
Members should understand that ISWA is offering a platform and is not a consultancy. So, members benefit most if they interact and engage and do not “only” consume. ISWA has fantastic working groups, become a member and share your expertise while at the same moment you will be able to gain from the experience of the others!
ISWA has an active Young Professionals Group as a special task force, what would be your advice to them looking to make a difference in the waste sector?
Stay curious, build interdisciplinary knowledge, and never underestimate the importance of governance and economics alongside technical solutions. Real change in the waste sector requires long-term thinking, collaboration, and the courage to challenge simplistic narratives. And ask your “older” colleagues for all questions. Use their experience!
