This paper explores the essential policy elements of extended producer responsibility for packaging, and provides direction on two key policy elements that are currently the subject of considerable debate in Canada particularly, and North America more generally: mandatory or voluntary take-back requirements, and hidden or visible levies. The approach taken to this study was qualitative and interactive, and included interviews with packaging manufactures, food producers, trade associations, academics, and senior government officials in Canada, Germany, Austria, Sweden, and Australia, as well as a workshop with Canadian packaging stake-holders. The results indicate that Canadian packagers and fillers have not shown a great deal of interest in assuming either physical and/or fiscal responsibility for the packaging wastes created by the products they sell. This fact, in combination with the policy direction of successful EPR programs, underscores the need for policies supporting mandatory take-back obligations and integrated levy systems that ensure design for the environment.