Ecoveritas launches new platform to help with EPR reporting
1 March 2024
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) has been working closely with environmental compliance data experts Ecoveritas for over a decade, most recently in developing a solution to simplify the data collection and reporting process under the current packaging regulations. Launched this week is its new SaaS platform my.ecoveritas, which promises to transform Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance for horticulture businesses.
My.ecoveritas represents a streamlined, easy-to-use, cost-effective solution that can deliver EPR data collection and reporting in days, not months. It was developed over 18 months and matches packaging weights to sales and purchase data using the only methodology acknowledged by the Environment Agency.
The platform, which has been through two separate and equally rigorous testing phases with over 30 relevant stakeholders involved in its fine-tuning, guides businesses through six steps, which culminate in a submission-ready report.
Irvin Newbitt, CEO of Ecoveritas, said:
"Firstly, we couldn't have done this without the support of the various testing groups who diligently put my.ecoveritas through its paces. The input we have received throughout has been invaluable in delivering the excellent product we can put in front of businesses today. We're proud that this will be a solution by the horticulture sector for the horticultural sector.
"It goes without saying that the hard work and effort of the team here at Ecoveritas has also been remarkable. Not for a moment did we ever lose sight of our mission to make it easy for businesses to understand their obligations, get compliant and respond appropriately through reduction, substitution, and recycling.
"And what we have arrived at is a SaaS product that makes data reporting a simpler and more cost-effective task."
David Denny, Director of Research and Insights at the Horticultural Trades Association, said:
"The HTA continues to provide support, guidance, and information to help our members prepare for Extended Producer Responsibilities whilst obtaining vital clarifications for horticulture from the government. We have been impressed with Ecoveritas' support in this and their commitment to developing this platform with our sector and our members very much at the heart of the project.
"We're delighted that their my.ecoveritas platform, designed to streamline businesses' efforts in meeting EPR reporting obligations, is now live. We see my.ecoveritas as highly beneficial for members and a good example of how the UK's environmental horticulture sector is embracing innovative technology.
"Whether adjusting to new practices or meeting the expectations of environmentally-conscious consumers, Ecoveritas' solution underscores the significance of our sector's role in fostering sustainable growth."
Among the reviewers, Ben Rayner, Group Finance Director at Scotsdales, said:
"This is really exciting from Ecoveritas! It's going to revolutionise the way we complete our EPR data reporting. It's brilliant!"
Steve Boon, Sustainability Manager at Notcutts, added:
"Ecoveritas has made EPR reporting so much easier. This is absolutely the best solution for garden centres, growers and nurseries looking for a cost-effective and simple tool."
Ross McEwan, Group Retail Operations Manager at Squires Garden Centres, said:
"We have worked with Ecoveritas for a number of years to support compliance with Packaging Waste Regulations, now including EPR. My.ecoveritas has removed a significant, time-consuming, administrative burden from our teams."
Visit https://horticulture.ecoveritas.com for more information and support on EPR.
