2024 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats illustrating key storylines this year in policy and regulation, M&A activity, manufacturing, pricing, recycling, sustainability goals and more.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Dec. 20, 2024

EPA to formally review vinyl chloride risks, may evaluate styrene

Regulators will consider whether high-priority chemicals, including a building block of PVC, present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2024

What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules

Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 19, 2024

Federal budget proposal with $136M in recycling and composting bills stalls

The Recycling and Composting Accountability Act and Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act were initially part of a deal to fund the federal government, but that plan has since been scrapped.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated 19 hours ago

EU packaging regulation clears final legislative hurdle

The European Council adopted the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. It’s expected to apply 18 months after it’s officially published.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 16, 2024

Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025

The state is working to implement a 2023 law that calls for a recycling needs assessment. The advisory council says it needs that information to craft recommendations for packaging EPR legislation.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 12, 2024

Flexible Packaging Association’s new CEO talks flexibles growth, recyclability, tariffs

Dan Felton detailed misunderstandings about flexibles that he hopes to dispel. He also discussed risks and opportunities that FPA members face as extended producer responsibility for packaging laws emerge.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 10, 2024

Maine adopts final rules for packaging EPR law

The finalized rules come after months of public comments and stakeholder meetings. Certain stakeholders voiced concerns over costs, and some waste groups questioned a disposal reimbursement provision.

By Cole Rosengren , Megan Quinn • Dec. 6, 2024

Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging

A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2024

California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead

Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 5, 2024

Trump’s FDA poised to make mark on food packaging regulation

Crackdowns on food additives and changes to agency operations could be expected based on signals from the picks for HHS, observers suggested. In addition to chemical concerns, there are food labeling issues in play.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 4, 2024

Global plastic pollution treaty talks fail in final meeting of 2024

Parties expressed disappointment and determination as they anticipate another international meeting in 2025. Negotiators considered potential tenets like capping plastic production and phasing out certain chemicals and products.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 2, 2024

Who is Marty Makary, Trump’s pick to head the FDA?

If confirmed as commissioner, Makary would join the agency amidst a massive reorganization of its food division, which included bringing functions from the regulatory affairs and food safety offices into one program.

By Chris Casey • Nov. 25, 2024

Packaging converters, brands support EPR as global plastic pollution negotiations near finish line

“These outcomes will have significant downstream impacts on plastic packaging producers and brands,” potentially driving new regulations and investments, said U.S. Plastics Pact CEO Jonathan Quinn.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 25, 2024

Packaging trade groups urge US House to pass recycling infrastructure, data bills

Industry groups and multiple individual packaging companies and CPGs are giving a final push to the bills as one of the lead co-sponsors, Delaware Sen. Tom Carper, prepares to retire. Both bills have already passed the Senate.

By Jacob Wallace • Nov. 20, 2024

Sourcing challenges, producer registration present some initial hurdles for recycled content laws

Washington state recently began enforcing certain recycled plastic requirements for brands’ containers. While many producers have cleared early thresholds, regulators say there’s more work to do.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 18, 2024

Packaging materials, waste groups react to Trump tapping Zeldin to lead EPA

While in Congress, former Rep. Lee Zeldin voted in support of some PFAS regulations but largely voted against other environmental bills. ACC, AF&PA, former EPA staff and other groups weighed in on this week’s pick.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Nov. 15, 2024

The dual case for reusable transport packaging

Adopting reusables across the supply chain presents not just sustainability benefits, but also cost savings, according to speakers at Pack Expo International.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 14, 2024

3 insights for navigating the ‘messy middle’ of labeling policy

During an Ameripen event, representatives of SmartLabel, How2Recycle and BPI Certification discussed where legislation could offer clarity as brands consider on-pack labeling amid evolving state and federal guidance.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 13, 2024

Stories from Pack Expo International 2024

At the largest Pack Expo event ever held, Packaging Dive connected with manufacturers, brands and trade groups for insight on the latest industry trends.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Nov. 14, 2024

How supplier collaboration, investing in data can help brands’ EPR transition

At Pack Expo International, key voices involved in EPR scale-up, representing Ameripen, Circular Action Alliance and major brands, sought to educate big crowds about what brands need to know and how suppliers can help.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Nov. 7, 2024

Sonoco’s acquisition of Eviosys under review in UK

U.K. regulators are expected to report back by Dec. 19 on a deal that Sonoco has projected will close in the fourth quarter. Separately, the European Commission recently approved the acquisition.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 25, 2024

Biden-Harris administration opens tariff exclusion process for some manufacturers

The deadline to submit exclusion requests to the USTR is March 31, 2025.

By Kate Magill • Oct. 24, 2024

Election 2024: The outlook for packaging and manufacturing policy

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump differ on environmental regulations, manufacturing, energy and ESG policies. What could a Trump or Harris presidency mean for the packaging industry?

By Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk , Cole Rosengren • Oct. 23, 2024

Washington state fines 35 companies violating recycled plastic law

Clorox, Ocean Spray and Albertsons are among the companies facing the highest penalties. Under the law, plastic beverage containers had to use at least 15% recycled content in 2023 and plastic trash bags had to contain 10%.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 7, 2024