Will 2025 EPR laws pave the way for more packaging policy?

After Maryland and Washington recently adopted packaging EPR laws, leaders from Ameripen and the National Stewardship Action Council expect to see more policy action, including on bottle bills, in 2026.

By Maria Rachal • May 28, 2025

Trump administration orders reversal of plastics phase-out in national parks

A new order states that the rescission tracks with a February executive order to end procurement of paper straws.

By Maria Rachal • May 27, 2025

CalRecycle unveils new SB 54 text; Wagoner out as CAA’s California lead

The agency will host a public meeting Tuesday to take feedback. Circular Action Alliance, the packaging EPR program’s PRO, plans to hire a new state lead as former CalRecycle director Rachel Wagoner steps aside.

By Maria Rachal • May 22, 2025

Washington adopts seventh packaging EPR law in the US

All three West Coast states now have extended producer responsibility for packaging laws. Washington’s law, the seventh in the U.S., was backed by multiple CPG and packaging trade groups.

By Megan Quinn • May 17, 2025

EPA’s future PFAS manufacturing effluent limitation guidelines raise new questions

The Trump administration will pursue regulations for certain manufacturers of chemicals, plastics and synthetic fibers after pausing implementation of a similar Biden-era proposal.

By April Reese • May 15, 2025

California compostable packaging restriction could have ‘chilling effect’

The Biodegradable Products Institute says it’s still waiting to hear whether there could be a compliance extension for a key provision of AB 1201 poised to affect compostables in the state come 2026.

By Maria Rachal • Updated May 19, 2025

Maryland Gov. Moore signs packaging EPR into law

Maryland becomes the sixth state with an extended producer responsibility for packaging law. It ramps up reimbursement between 2028 and 2030.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • May 13, 2025

Tariffs, delays and uncertainty: How to build a resilient packaging supply chain in 2025

Four tips to help shield your brand from tariffs, material shortages and other supply chain disruptors.

By Plastic Ingenuity • May 12, 2025

Washington EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

Bill sponsors see the packaging EPR program as a way to bring recycling services to more residents and raise recycling rates. Haulers in the state opposed the bill over cost concerns.

By Megan Quinn • April 24, 2025

Packaging groups support combo EPR, bottle bill legislation in Rhode Island

A commission on plastic bottle waste recommended combo legislation as one path forward. Some packaging and recycling group leaders said in an op-ed that the state “can learn from, and leapfrog, other states” with a new bill.

By Maria Rachal • April 21, 2025

Tariff turmoil: Box demand dips, recession fears rise

The impact of uncertainty from tariffs already is appearing in the paper and packaging industry, and manufacturers are expressing concern about a potential recession this year, according to analysts.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 18, 2025

Massachusetts EPR commission sets timeline for packaging discussions

At its inaugural meeting this week, the MassDEP-led group acknowledged concerns around the state's pace of policy action as well as the complexity of packaging EPR. Recommendations are due to the legislature next January.

By Cole Rosengren • April 18, 2025

Duties coming on aluminum containers from China following US trade ruling

The U.S. government investigated after foil container manufacturers raised issue with imports of trays, lids and more. But U.S. industry is still concerned about Chinese companies transshipping through other countries.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 15, 2025

Oregon’s PRO aims to collect more EPR data in April

At least 1,200 producers have submitted reports in the state, out of more than 2,300 registered with the PRO. Circular Action Alliance hopes to collect more supply data during a grace period following a March 31 reporting deadline.

By Maria Rachal • April 14, 2025

International Paper finds buyer for 5 European box plants

IP cannot reacquire any of the divested corrugated plants for 10 years, unless the European Commission determines that market conditions have changed. The commission required the sale for approval of IP’s acquisition of DS Smith.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 14, 2025

California confirms EPS food service ware ban

CalRecycle said that after a review, there’s not sufficient data showing covered materials meet a required 25% recycling rate. This clarifies what many had already considered a de facto ban under SB 54.

By Maria Rachal • April 8, 2025

Maryland EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

SB 901 calls for reimbursing key recycling collection, transportation and processing costs in the state, including for organics. Maryland would be the sixth state with packaging EPR if Gov. Wes Moore signs the bill. 

By Megan Quinn • April 8, 2025

Alberta launches EPR for packaging program

The first phase of the program places responsibility on producers to fully fund packaging recycling, a move government officials say will raise recycling rates and decrease costs.

By Megan Quinn • April 1, 2025

Makary confirmed by Senate as FDA commissioner

The Johns Hopkins surgeon will helm the agency as layoffs loom and important decisions on treatments for rare and infectious diseases await.

By Jonathan Gardner • March 27, 2025

US states renew push for tethered bottle caps to help recycling

Since last July, companies selling single-use plastic beverage containers in the EU have had to tether caps or lids. California legislators advanced a similar regulation that beverage makers oppose.

By Maria Rachal • March 27, 2025

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