California packaging EPR implementation moves ahead amid regulatory redo

State officials shared updates in the first SB 54 advisory board meeting since Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a regulatory restart. CalRecycle said it will continue working on multiple other statutory requirements in the meantime.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2025

Packaging groups back bipartisan recycling bill in Congress

Companies including Ball, Kraft Heinz and SC Johnson registered their support. This adds to other packaging-related bills in the 119th Congress, including the Steward Act and the Farewell to Foam Act.

By Maria Rachal • March 21, 2025

Days away from Oregon EPR reporting deadline, cue the ‘compliance anxiety’

In a U.S. first, producers of packaging, paper and food service ware have until the end of the month to report 2024 supply data through Circular Action Alliance’s portal. Oregon plans to start the program in July.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 21, 2025

Navigating Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act: What producers need to know

Producers must register and report 2024 supply data by March 31, 2025 to comply with Oregon’s EPR packaging law.

By Kim Holmes, Oregon Executive Director at Circular Action Alliance • March 17, 2025

Manufacturers hail EPA plans to rethink particulate matter regulations

The National Association of Manufacturers, American Forest & Paper Association and others previously challenged an update to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in court.

By Cole Rosengren • March 14, 2025

Navigating next steps on EPR in California and beyond

CalRecycle said it will revise the regulations and associated documents, and initiate a new formal rulemaking process, starting with a 45-day public comment period.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 13, 2025

Newsom sends California back to the drawing board on EPR implementation

After extensive public input, multiple revisions and missing a deadline to finalize SB 54 rules, one lawmaker called progress “significantly delayed.” Some environmental advocates say they would again weigh a ballot initiative.

By Maria Rachal • March 10, 2025

Maryland’s recycling needs assessment sheds light on possible EPR impacts

A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.

By Megan Quinn • March 6, 2025

China’s import policies changed fiber trade. Tariffs could change it again.

RaboResearch explored how pulp and paper are “caught in the cross fire of a new North American trade war” as well as trade trends with folding cartonboard and recovered paper.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 5, 2025

How PROs can support reuse in EPR programs

Upstream calls on producer responsibility organizations to transparently track targets for reusables’ market share and return rates.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 20, 2025

Minnesota taps Circular Action Alliance for EPR program

Producers must register in Minnesota later this year. The CEO of CAA says the producer responsibility organization’s work in other states “enables us to immediately find efficiencies for producers” and “scale best practices.”

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 19, 2025

Metal packaging manufacturers raise red flags over new tariffs

Both packaging and “consumer prices will go up” as manufacturers pass down increased costs, said Can Manufacturers Institute President Robert Budway.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 11, 2025

Green Guides updates still pending as states lead on labeling

Packaging industry leaders think discussion at the congressional level could be possible this year on how to create greater unity for recyclability, compostability and other labeling standards.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 10, 2025

Bottle bills are ‘gold standard’ for raising UBC recycling rates: CRI

The Container Recycling Institute recommended new bottle bills in an effort to keep up with U.S. aluminum consumption as recycling rates decline.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 6, 2025

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs to impact paper, plastic packaging

U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive orders on tariffs against multiple countries are drawing pricing and supply chain concerns from the Plastics Industry Association, American Forest & Paper Association and others.

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 3, 2025

The packaging industry outlook for 2025

The evolution of packaging EPR, potential for more industry-reshaping megadeals, shifting attitudes on plastics and sustainability goals, and Trump’s mark on trade and federal funding are dynamic areas to watch.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 31, 2025

Zeldin is confirmed as the new EPA administrator. What’s next?

The former New York representative will helm the agency as it navigates executive orders pausing climate programs and reviews pending regulations that could affect the recycling industry.

By Megan Quinn , Jacob Wallace • Jan. 29, 2025

D.C.’s proposed bottle bill aims to tackle pollution

It calls for a disposal ban on covered beverage containers, followed by a 10-cent deposit starting in 2028, with a recycling rate target of 70% the first year.

By Megan Quinn • Jan. 29, 2025

Packaging groups eye federal changes, state EPR evolution in 2025

The structure of anticipated tariffs is front of mind for some packaging and material organizations. They’re also gearing up for more mature EPR and deposit return policy negotiations this year.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 28, 2025

European Commission requires 5 divestitures for IP-DS Smith deal

International Paper agreed to sell plants in three countries to gain approval. The acquisition is slated to close Jan. 31.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 24, 2025

Sprouts accused of falsely labeling private label table ware as ‘compostable’

A class action lawsuit claims the grocer and manufacturer marked the products as compostable despite containing “forever chemicals.” 

By Peyton Bigora • Jan. 23, 2025

Trump freezes Inflation Reduction Act funding

The White House issued a memo the following day to clarify the funding pause, specifying that it pertains only to aspects of the law mentioned in Section 2 of the executive order.

By Kate Magill • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

The countdown to the EU’s new packaging regulation begins

The new regulation on packaging and packaging waste, poised to reshape recyclability, reuse and more, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Wednesday.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 22, 2025

EPA nominee Zeldin advances out of committee for final confirmation vote

During a prior hearing, nominee Lee Zeldin highlighted his plan to balance environmental and economic concerns. He said he’s still developing an understanding of chemical recycling.

By Megan Quinn • Updated Jan. 23, 2025

What packaging designers should know about FDA’s proposed nutrition info box

Industry sources predict required front-of-pack labeling could mean giving up key real estate in costly redesigns — or, more optimistically, an opportunity for some brands to modernize packaging and rethink consumer messaging.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 15, 2025