Competitors together in PRO (Producers Responsibility Organisation) - a case study of the PRO-system in Norway

Abstract

The Norwegian WEEE-legislation makes importers/producers individual responsible for collection and final treatment of discarded products (extended producers responsibility). But it is competitor's cooperation in Producers Responsibility Organisations (PRO's) that has brought the system to success, ensured by equality and good information-flow. But PROs is not an adequate instrument to encourage environmental friendly changes in products. Technological changes are most likely to be carried out as a result of strict environmental regulations and market demands. The stimulation through PROs to make more recyclable products has less importance.