Producers Services: the first point of contact for producers and importers

Manufacturers and importers who are the first to place appliances, light bulbs, batteries or (bicycle) batteries on the Dutch market are subject to the statutory extended producer responsibility (EPR). Together with these companies, the OPEN Foundation ensures that end-of-life products are collected and recycled in a responsible manner.

The Producer Services department plays a key role in this. The team is the first point of contact for participants and supports them with registration, reporting and queries regarding regulations. “We assist producers and importers with everything involved in fulfilling their obligations,” explains Anita de Reus.

An important part of that process is the reporting of the so-called Put on Market (POM): the number of appliances, lamps and batteries that companies place on the Dutch market. This is done via the online portal MyOPEN. “For many participants, it is an administrative obligation,” says Iris de Bruin. “That is why we try to make it as clear and user-friendly as possible.”

Nevertheless, questions regularly arise, for example about product categories. “Sometimes it’s not immediately clear which category a product falls into,” explains Arnoud Uri. “In that case, we work with the participant to determine the correct classification.”

Direct contact with producers and importers

According to manager Sandra Bakker, the strength lies in direct contact with participants. “Our experienced team is in daily contact with (new) producers and importers and assists them where necessary. We know what questions people have and can respond to them.” Julia van Avezaath also recognises the importance of clear explanations. “The regulations can be quite complex. We ensure that participants quickly know where they stand. In addition to personal contact, producers and importers can also ask questions via the chatbot on the website.”

Furthermore, the team looks beyond mere reporting. “When companies export products for reuse or receive discarded appliances back themselves, there are often additional opportunities. And in some cases, it can even generate income. We have various incentive schemes that may be attractive to a producer or importer,” explains account manager Peter de Haan. “I regularly provide tailored advice on site. So, if you’d like a bespoke solution or a clear explanation at your business premises on how to comply with these WEEE regulations, please feel free to contact me.”

Through daily contact with participants, the team is well placed to identify where questions arise. “We use those signals to improve our services,” says Marissa de Bruin.

Direct contact with manufacturers and importers
According to manager Sandra Bakker, the strength lies in direct contact with participants. It’s great to see everything that’s happening, says Nadir Hoyng. “Manufacturers and importers pay a waste management contribution, thereby contributing to the collection and recycling of end-of-life products. Together, we have a nationwide system with thousands of collection points. Through Wecycle campaigns, we encourage people to hand in discarded appliances, light bulbs and batteries, after which they are safely transported, sorted and processed.” He continues: “I think many producers and importers only realise this once they have joined.”

Producers Services Team

• Anita de Reus
• Arnoud Uri
• Iris de Bruin
• Julia van Avezaath
• Marissa de Bruin
• Nadir Hoyng
• Peter de Haan
• Rob van Houwelingen
• Sandra Bakker, Financieel directeur en manager Producenten Services