Most EPR data gaps are supplier-data gaps. A structured request beats six months of email archaeology — if it asks for the right things.

Ask for physical facts, with source documents

For each component: supplier part number and specification/version date; component name and packaging function; material(s), resin(s), rigid/flexible form; mass per component in grams with stated tolerance; multilayer/barrier/coating/laminate construction by material where applicable; label, closure, adhesive, ink, and attached-component details; post-consumer recycled-content percentage and basis only if claimed; compostability or other certification name, issuer, ID, scope, expiry only if claimed; effective dates and the products/configurations using the part.

Ask for attached documentation rather than estimates. If a value is unavailable, the supplier should mark it unavailable and name the technical contact who may know.

Do not ask suppliers to choose reporting categories

Category depends on the state’s current rules — rigid/flexible form, format, color, layers, size, coatings, labels, product use, collection lists — not on a resin code alone. Suppliers provide facts; the mapping to state categories happens against the retained schedule version with rule citations.

Evidence hierarchy (strongest first)

Current supplier specification or signed declaration tied to the exact part/version; technical drawing, certificate, or BOM; client ERP/PLM record with owner and date; calibrated physical measurement with documented sampling; purchase-order inference; visual/resin-code inference; undocumented assumption. The bottom two levels require review and never silently become facts — flag them green/amber/red.

Data/compliance support only — not legal advice. Supplier template: docs/templates/intake-kit.md.