Workshop on EPR in Action: TouMaLi Project and EPR Concept in Egypt

Date: 27th - 28th January 2025
Location: Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt
The recent workshop titled "EPR in Action: TouMaLi Project and EPR Concept in Egypt" was a significant milestone in advancing the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within the Egyptian context. Held at the prestigious Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Alexandria, the event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the establishment of an effective waste management system, particularly focusing on packaging waste from hotels.

Objective
The primary aim of the workshop was to explore the practical application of EPR in Egypt, leveraging the TouMaLi project as a pilot to demonstrate the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) model. This initiative encourages producers, such as hotels, to voluntarily engage in waste management efforts. The Circul8 platform was introduced as a critical tool for data management, facilitating accurate tracking and reporting of packaging waste within Egypt's burgeoning EPR framework.

Workshop Proceedings
The workshop featured a series of interconnected discussions, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Egypt’s EPR framework and the pivotal role of data management via the Circul8 platform. Key sessions included:

• Introduction to EPR and the TouMaLi Project: Dr. Nour Chaher from the University of Rostock set the stage by presenting the TouMaLi project, which addresses plastic pollution and promotes circular economy practices in Egypt. The session underscored the importance of stakeholder involvement for successful EPR implementation.
• EPR Framework and Key Focus Areas: Mr. Ahmed Khaial from WMRA provided insights into Egypt’s current EPR framework, highlighting the phased implementation approach and financial mechanisms that emphasize EPR fees.
• Insights from the EU-WES Project: Mr. Anis Ismail from Econnexions shared valuable lessons from the EU-WES project, offering practical applications and impactful results of EPR initiatives in Egypt.
• Technical Concept for TouMaLi Project in Egypt: Ms. Beatrice Vanek from BlackForest Solutions detailed the Alexandria pilot, outlining its comprehensive waste management system and strategies for broader waste reduction in hotels.
• EPR and Data Management: Mr. Matias Rodrigues from the Landbell Group discussed the international PRO model and its application in Alexandria, focusing on data collection and waste tracking.
• TouMaLi Project Progress in Egypt: Dr. Gasser E. Hassan from AASTMT summarized the project's implementation, highlighting its multi-stakeholder approach and data-driven strategies to reduce marine litter.
• Circul8 Platform and Data Integration: Mr. Christophe Pautrat and Mr. Jochen Weimer from the Landbell Group presented the Circul8 registry system, emphasizing its role in producer registration and waste tracking.

Key Answers and Actions

• Waste Categories Managed Under EPR: The project targets several waste categories, including plastics, paper, metals, and glass, aligning with WMRA's suggested waste flows.
• Collection of Products from Hotels: The Arab Academy will compile a comprehensive list of products used by hotels to facilitate accurate data tracking, supported by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Data Conversion and Reporting: Data collected from hotels will be converted from items to kilograms, ensuring consistency with the Circul8 system. The Arab Academy will oversee this process.
• Training and Data Integration with Circul8: The Landbell Group will provide training to ensure effective use of the Circul8 platform for data management and reporting.

Next Steps and Concluding Remarks
The workshop concluded with a clear path forward:

• EPR for Hotels: The pilot project will continue using the Circul8 system to track waste generation and recycling activities.
• Ongoing Data Collection: Data collection has commenced at the Sunrise Hotel, with plans to expand to additional hotels in Alexandria.
• Ministry of Tourism's Support: The Ministry will assist in streamlining the data collection process across the hospitality sector.
• Training on Circul8: Continuous training will ensure stakeholders can effectively manage data and report accurately within Egypt's EPR framework.
   

The workshop marked a crucial step in Egypt's journey towards sustainable waste management practices, demonstrating how collaborative efforts and innovative tools like the Circul8 platform can drive meaningful environmental change.