EPR & Regulation

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    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
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    California EPR deadlines spur urgent flexible film recycling solutions

    Film recycling systems need rapid upgrades to meet strict requirements under SB 54. Representatives from the US Flexible Film Initiative, Circular Action Alliance and other groups noted pilots and funding initiatives that may help.

    By Megan Quinn • June 1, 2026
  • A tightly packed bale of crushed plastic bottles, compressed into a rectangular block and wrapped in clear plastic film. The bale contains various colored plastic bottles, flattened and compacted together, ready for recycling.
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    Alamy
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    Producers just passed a major packaging EPR deadline. Now what?

    Many companies may still be behind on a May 31 deadline, while others can shift some focus to optimizing packaging. Eunomia, Pure Strategies, EY and Washburn Consulting weigh in.

    By Marissa Heffernan • June 1, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility

    The ramp-up for EPR implementation is steep in 2026. Producers and supply chain partners share insights on reporting, budgeting, design and more.

    By Packaging Dive staff
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    The image by Jim Bowen is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    California advances compostables, recycled content labeling bills

    The legislation divided trade groups over mass balance accounting, plastics in compost and more.

    By • May 29, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Emerald Packaging CEO on his dual role as supplier and policy advisor

    The 63-year-old company just closed its first acquisition. CEO Kevin Kelly spoke with Packaging Dive about forgoing private equity investment and helping customers adapt to EPR.

    By • May 28, 2026
  • A reusable cup out a car window at a drive-through
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    Courtesy of Closed Loop Partners
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    California’s SB 54 kicks off a fresh look at reuse and refill collection

    CalRecycle’s recent needs assessments related to source reduction outlined steep costs for producers to redesign packaging and invest in new systems.

    By Mary Catherine O'Connor • May 26, 2026
  • Person in hard hat and safety vest stands over fast-moving conveyor belt with recyclables in Oregon
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    Natalie Behring via Getty Images
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    Oregon updates responsible end markets verification process

    Among the agreed-upon updates to the EPR program plan are a benchmarking process for third-party certifications and PRO verifications, certain adjustments to performance criteria, and a variance for glass furnaces.

    By • May 22, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    More litigation expected over California recycling regulations

    Packaging EPR law SB 54 could spark lawsuits from environmental groups and businesses alike. Meanwhile, certain industry groups are seeking a preliminary injunction with recyclability labeling law SB 343.

    By • May 13, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    CalRecycle publishes new SB 54 guidance for producers

    The agency is shedding more light on identifying producer status and covered materials under the packaging EPR and source reduction law, as well as declaring food and agricultural packaging that may be excluded.

    By • May 12, 2026
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    Courtesy of Recology
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    CAA seeks to standardize responsible end market requirements

    Circular Action Alliance is accepting public comments on a proposed REM standard meant to be cohesive across packaging EPR states. It aims to ensure materials are handled in an environmentally sound way.

    By Megan Quinn • May 11, 2026
  • U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer holds up a document that says "foreign trade barriers."
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    Kayla Bartkowski via Getty Images
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    Packaging, materials groups testify in Section 301 tariff probe

    Representatives from the Can Manufacturers Institute and Association of Plastic Recyclers were among the groups testifying this week about foreign countries’ trade actions that harm U.S. manufacturers.

    By • May 8, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Maine’s packaging EPR implementation lags

    The Maine Department of Environmental Protection still expects producers will owe money this year. But the process of contracting with a stewardship organization has repeatedly been pushed back.

    By • May 8, 2026
  • California state flag and state capitol building in Sacramento
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    Getty Images
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    At long last, California publishes SB 54 EPR rules

    The milestone gives way to next compliance steps for the sweeping extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Circular Action Alliance also published estimated fees for obligated producers.

    By • May 4, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Cannabis companies send smoke signals about packaging regulation challenges

    As adult recreational cannabis becomes more mainstream, companies are putting a greater focus on product packaging. Industry participants say they must balance compliance with controlling quality and costs.

    By • April 20, 2026
  • An extreme closeup of a piece of fiber packaging with "100% compostable" stamped into the material.
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    Getty Images
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    California bills propose compostables restrictions

    The Biodegradable Products Institute says recent bills don’t address some of the most critical underlying issues that currently threaten the future of compostable packaging in California.

    By • April 20, 2026
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    Cole Rosengren/Packaging Dive
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    Massachusetts Senate passes bill addressing bags, foam, foodservice packaging

    The $3.6 billion environmental policy package left out any next steps on extended producer responsibility for packaging, but includes numerous plastics provisions.

    By • April 16, 2026
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    Oregon EPR legal challenge

    AF&PA can’t join NAW’s Oregon EPR lawsuit, judge rules

    The American Forest & Paper Association, which has noted higher-than-anticipated fees, “remains fully committed to pursuing all available legal and strategic options” to protect members.

    By • Updated April 8, 2026
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    New EU guidance on PPWR released less than 5 months from start date

    Europen said the guidance “still falls short of providing the legal certainty and operational clarity businesses urgently require” ahead of Aug. 12. Implementing acts are still in the works.

    By • March 31, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Lubricants, wholesaler groups talk EPR lawsuits

    For now, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors say they remain focused on Colorado and Oregon, respectively.

    By • March 30, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    CAA preparing for California EPR on compressed timeline

    SB 54 regulations are still yet to be finalized. Circular Action Alliance will submit its program plan by June 15. The PRO has received more than 2,000 producer reports, but notes some producers are holding out.

    By • March 23, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    California’s recyclability labeling law under fire in new lawsuit

    The Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association are among the plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of SB 343 come October.

    By • March 18, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    Oregon EPR legal challenge

    Paper industry joins Oregon EPR lawsuit

    After the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors secured a preliminary injunction in February, the American Forest & Paper Association, plus groups representing grocers and other businesses, want in.

    By • March 17, 2026
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    Getty Images
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    USITC advances 4 trade cases with implications for packaging

    Polypropylene corrugated boxes and PET films are among the products that saw determinations in Q1. PP corrugated box producer Inteplast explained why it submitted a request for review and what effect new duties would have.

    By • March 17, 2026
  • Aerial view of Nashville and the Tennessee state capitol
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    Getty Images
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    Tennessee packaging EPR bill sidelined for 2026

    The bill faced pushback from groups like Ameripen and bottlers. Vowing to return stronger next year, state Sen. Heidi Campbell said she’s proud of how the bill has put EPR awareness on the map in the Southeast.

    By • March 12, 2026
  • Close up view of an aerosol can nozzle
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    Getty Images
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    With help of EPR, aerosol can groups push for recycling acceptance

    A new playbook from trade groups addresses concerns about safety and consumer education. Eureka Recycling weighs in on an issue dividing MRF operators.

    By Marissa Heffernan • March 6, 2026
  • The Washington state capitol building.
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    Getty Images
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    Washington taps Circular Action Alliance as PRO for packaging EPR

    The latest appointment means CAA now serves as the approved producer responsibility organization in six states. A draft program plan is due in 2028 to implement in 2030.

    By • March 5, 2026