Quick answer: A PRO, or producer responsibility organisation, is an organisation that takes over packaging EPR duties for many producers. You pay it a fee based on the packaging you sell. It then funds the collection, sorting and recycling of that packaging, and often helps with reporting. Some countries have one PRO. In others, several PROs compete.
Key takeaways
- A PRO handles packaging EPR duties for many producers in return for a fee.
- It funds collection, sorting and recycling, and often supports reporting.
- Some countries have one PRO and others have several. Rules differ by country.
- A PRO does not replace other duties, such as product documents.
- When you choose, compare approval, coverage, fees, reporting support and contract terms.
If you sell packaged goods in Europe, you will hear the word “PRO” a lot. It sounds like a service, but it is the heart of how packaging EPR works in many countries.
This article explains what a PRO is, what it does for you and what it does not do. You will also see how to choose one.
What is a PRO?
A producer responsibility organisation is a body that runs EPR on behalf of many producers. Under EPR, the company that puts packaging on the market pays for its collection and recycling. Most companies do not run that system themselves. They join a PRO and pay it to do the work. Read more on EPR in Europe.
You may see other names for the same idea: packaging compliance scheme, collective scheme or, in Germany, dual system. The details differ by country, but the job is alike. The PRO pools the money and the duties of many producers.
What does a PRO do for you?
- Collects your fee. The fee usually depends on how much packaging you sell and in which material. It may also reflect how well the packaging can be recycled.
- Funds the system. The money pays for collection, sorting and recycling of packaging waste.
- Takes your data. You report packaging weights by material. The PRO uses this to set your fee and to report onward.
- Gives you proof. Many PROs give you a contract or confirmation that you take part. Services differ, so ask each PRO what is included.
How does a PRO work?
- You sign up. You agree a contract with the PRO for the country and the packaging you place on the market.
- You report. You send weights by material, usually once or several times a year. Our EPR compliance checklist shows what to prepare.
- You pay. The PRO invoices you based on your data and its fee rates.
- The PRO delivers. It uses the money for collection and recycling and reports results onward.
What a PRO does not do
Joining a PRO does not cover everything. Keep these points in mind:
- It is not an authorised representative. A representative acts for a company that is not based in the country. A PRO runs the collection and recycling side. You may need one, the other, or both. See our post on the authorised representative proposal.
- It may not handle your registration. This depends on the country, so check who does what.
- It does not cover product documents. Manufacturers still prepare their own, such as the declaration of conformity.
PRO models: one PRO or several?
Each country decides how many PROs may operate. The table below shows the two main set-ups in simple terms.
| One PRO in the country | Several PROs compete | |
| Your choice | You work with the one PRO | You can compare and choose |
| What to focus on | Correct data and on-time reports | Price, service, reporting tools and coverage |
| Contract | One standard route | Terms and prices can differ by PRO |
| Switching | Not an option | Often possible, check the notice period |
| Examples often cited | Ireland and the Netherlands | Germany, France and Spain |
Set-ups can change, and some countries add extra rules, such as whether a PRO must be non-profit. Check the current setup in each country before you sign.
How to choose a PRO
- Approval. Check that the PRO is recognised in the country where you sell.
- Coverage. Check that it covers your materials and packaging types, including transport and commercial packaging if you use them.
- Fees. Ask how fees are set and how recyclability changes them.
- Reporting. Ask about the data format, deadlines and any online portal.
- Several countries. If you sell in many countries, ask whether one partner can support more than one market.
- Contract terms. Check the term, the notice period and what happens if your volumes change.
How PPWR changes the picture for PROs
PROs stay central to EPR under the PPWR. The regulation adds more common EU ideas, such as one idea of who is the producer, national producer registers and fees that can reflect design. In practice, your packaging choices may affect your fees more over time. For the bigger picture, read our post PPWR vs EPR: what is the difference?
Where PackIntelX fits
PackIntelX is not a PRO. It is software that helps you keep your packaging data in one place and prepare reports for several countries. Read how it works in multi-country EPR reporting with PackIntelX.
Not sure which rules apply to you? Tell us what you sell and where. We will point you to the right next steps. Explore our EPR overview and PPWR compliance pages.
This article is general information, not advice. Rules differ by country and can change, so ask a qualified adviser if you are unsure.
Frequently asked questions
What is a producer responsibility organisation (PRO)?
PRO stands for producer responsibility organisation. It is an organisation that runs EPR duties, such as funding collection and recycling, for producers who pay it a fee.
Is a PRO the same as an EPR compliance scheme?
Mostly, yes. Compliance scheme, collective scheme and dual system (in Germany) are other names for the same kind of body. Legal terms differ by country.
Are PROs non-profit?
It depends on the country. Some countries require it and others do not. Check the rules of the country where you sell.
Can I choose my PRO?
Where several PROs compete, you can compare them. Where there is one PRO, there is no choice.
How much does a PRO cost?
There is no single price. Fees depend on the country, the weight and material of your packaging and, increasingly, how recyclable it is. Ask for a quote with your own data.
Does the PPWR change how PROs work?
PROs stay central to EPR. The PPWR adds more common EU ideas, such as producer registers and fees that can reflect design. Details still depend on each country.
