Trade Association membership helped Laponie to tackle Extended Producer Responsibility

Would you tell us about Laponie, Cosmetics Chemist Jaana Ailus?

We are a domestic skincare brand launched in 2018 specialising in products for sensitive skin and skin prone to problems. We develop and manufacture all our products in Finland, and I am responsible for product development. I also develop products for customers. One, often less noticed part of product development is how the product matches with its packaging. A correct choice of packaging protects the product and lengthens its lifespan. This is why a big part of my job is to select packaging and match it with our products.

Where did you hear about packaging EPR?

Our company is a member of the Finnish Cosmetic and Hygiene Industry Association and we heard about EPR from them. The Association organises several useful events and trainings and packaging producer responsibility has been touched upon often.

What have the first experiences in taking care of EPR been like?

The first experiences have been positive. Managing EPR has been fluent.

What kind of help have you received in tackling EPR?

We have not needed help since the instructions have been clear enough. I am sure that had we needed assistance, it would have been readily available.

What would be your tip for other small companies with producer responsibility?

I warmly recommend them to join the sectoral organization such as in the cosmetic industry the Finnish Cosmetic and Hygiene Industry Association. It is difficult for a small brand to keep abreast with all new regulations and legislation. That is why it is a great value-added to belong to a sector organisation.