This dissertation investigates the development and implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, initially formulated by the author in 1990. EPR, as an environmental policy strategy, shifts the responsibility of the entire lifecycle of products, including take-back, recycling, and disposal, from consumers and authorities to producers. The research synthesizes studies on EPR schemes across various countries and products, highlighting the challenges of implementing these systems in diverse contexts. Given the limited and often unreliable statistical data, the study employs a qualitative, multidisciplinary approach. The findings contribute to understanding how policies can encourage environmentally adapted products and systems, addressing key concerns in EPR implementation.