Regulation

  • Roberta Metsola, president of the European Parliament, during the plenary voting session on April 24, 2024.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Buissin, Philippe. (2024). Retrieved from European Parliament Multimedia Centre.
    Image attribution tooltip
    // EU packaging regs advance

    EU Parliament votes in favor of PPWR

    A vote Wednesday advances approval of the sweeping packaging rules, but finalization isn’t expected until after a new Parliament is elected later this year.

    By • April 24, 2024
  • The Colorado flag waves in the breeze in front of an American flag.
    Image attribution tooltip
    rarrarorro via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Colorado legislature greenlights ‘medium’ scenario for EPR implementation

    A revised needs assessment showed that the producer-funded program cost could range between $190 million and $310 million come 2035. The recycling rate could reach 58% by that year, an estimate shows.

    By • April 22, 2024
  • More than a dozen labelless, silver-colored steel food cans grouped together.
    Image attribution tooltip
    wragg via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    CMI weighs in on Biden’s call for tariff increases

    Trade with China is a key issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election. The Can Manufacturers Institute says the Biden administration should take greater action to mitigate impacts from steel and aluminum imported goods.

    By • April 19, 2024
  • Plastic toiletry bottles
    Image attribution tooltip
    NeonJellyfish via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Illinois Senate approves bill targeting single-use plastic at hotels

    Similar legislation requiring hotels to eliminate small plastic toiletry bottles has passed in Washington, California and New York.

    By Jenna Walters • April 15, 2024
  • Two workers in yellow hard hats stand over a conveyor belt full of recyclable materials, primarily plastics, in an industrial facility
    Image attribution tooltip
    Natalie Behring via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Circular Action Alliance is lone PRO to submit program plan for Oregon EPR

    The brands-led group, which is already active in Colorado, California and Maryland, is eyeing end-of-year approval for its plan as 2025 recycling changes loom.

    By • April 3, 2024
  • Machinery inside Graphic Packaging International's Kalamazoo, Michigan, paperboard production plant.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International
    Image attribution tooltip

    Federal judge dismisses $600M environmental lawsuit against Graphic Packaging

    The judge did not believe the plaintiffs’ attorney made a convincing case that GPI and government officials harmed residents of Kalamazoo, Michigan, with toxic emissions. Now, that attorney faces possible punishment.

    By • March 19, 2024
  • The exterior of US EPA headquarters in Washington, DC
    Image attribution tooltip
    crbellette via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EPA limits for fine particulate matter emissions rattle packaging industry, prompt appeal

    Changes to the PM 2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards could affect multiple states. The American Chemistry Council, American Forest & Paper Association and others recently petitioned for legal review.

    By April Reese • March 19, 2024
  • A sign for the Food and Drug Administration is seen on July 20, 2020 in Maryland.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Questions remain after FDA says market phase-out complete for PFAS in paper food packaging material

    The agency said certain grease-proofing substances used on wrappers and containers are no longer being sold by manufacturers for food contact in the U.S. Others credited state leadership on the issue for driving change.

    By • March 15, 2024
  • California Gov. Gavin Newsom
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    California opens public comment period on draft EPR regulations

    The public comment period will run until April 23, when CalRecycle will host a public hearing. The agency estimates more than 13,000 producers would be affected by the regulation.

    By • March 12, 2024
  • The state capitol in Augusta, Maine
    Image attribution tooltip
    aimintang via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Maine’s latest EPR draft rules spur requests for more details

    Stakeholders at a hearing last week asked for a more comprehensive needs assessment, as well as more technical help for municipalities and flexibility for producers. Ameripen and AF&PA weighed in.

    By Megan Quinn • March 11, 2024
  • The front of the General Services Administration headquarters
    Image attribution tooltip
    Douglas Rissing via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Trade groups and state AGs debate GSA’s approach to minimize single-use plastic purchases

    Multiple groups with different viewpoints called for rewrites of a proposed rule, many seeking a more nuanced, less material-specific approach. GSA serves as the federal government’s procurement arm. 

    By • March 11, 2024
  • Fisk Johnson, CEO of SC Johnson, testifies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
    Image attribution tooltip
    (2024). [Video]. Retrieved from U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works YouTube channel.
    Image attribution tooltip

    5 themes from the Senate hearing on packaging EPR

    The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works gathered voices from SC Johnson, Ameripen and World Wildlife Fund.

    By • March 7, 2024
  • Gary Gensler points
    Image attribution tooltip
    Alex Wong via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    SEC approves final climate disclosure rule, starts compliance countdown

    The rule passed by a 3-2 vote Wednesday morning, absent requirements for scope 3 reporting and slimmer scope 1 and scope 2 requirements.

    By Lamar Johnson • March 7, 2024
  • The European Union flag.
    Image attribution tooltip
    artJazz via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip
    EU packaging regs advance

    EU packaging waste regulation nears final steps

    A deal between the European Council and Parliament on the heavily lobbied regulation would still have to be formally adopted. It introduces a restriction on food packaging containing certain PFAS, among other updates.

    By • March 5, 2024
  • Shelves of stacked plastic containers containing freshly cut veggies, on display at grocery store
    Image attribution tooltip
    OGI75 via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Don’t forget about packaging in national food waste reduction strategy, trade groups say

    Ameripen and the Flexible Packaging Association sent comments to the EPA, FDA and USDA on evaluating packaging materials, the potential growth of biobased and compostable packaging and more.

    By • Feb. 21, 2024
  • A person holds a blue and white laundry detergent pod in front of a washing machine.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Inna Dodor via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    NYC bill could restrict laundry and dishwasher pods

    Bill supporters say polyvinyl alcohol, used in pods and sheets, passes through wastewater treatment and pollutes the environment. The American Cleaning Institute says the products have sustainability benefits.

    By • Updated Feb. 9, 2024
  • Workers at Eco-Cycle MRF in Boulder, Colorado
    Image attribution tooltip
    Cole Rosengren/Packaging Dive
    Image attribution tooltip

    Colorado’s needs assessment offers glimpse into packaging EPR implementation

    The proposed minimum recyclable list includes packaging paper, corrugated cardboard, gable-top cartons, clear PET bottles and jugs and PET thermoforms, and aluminum beverage containers, among other items.

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 1, 2024
  • A Recology employee collects green curbside compostable material bins.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Permission granted by Recology
    Image attribution tooltip

    Compostable packaging must be included in EPR needs assessments, industry partners say

    A policy brief released by the Composting Consortium that highlights the importance of including compostable packaging in EPR needs assessments recommends three calls to action. 

    By • Jan. 30, 2024
  • Blue and red spray bottle
    Image attribution tooltip
    Syriopro via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EPA’s Safer Choice recycled content proposals draw some pushback

    Groups including Ameripen, the Can Manufacturers Institute and Consumer Brands Association, as well as companies such as Clorox and P&G, weighed in on proposed changes to the voluntary product certification program.

    By • Jan. 26, 2024
  • A collection of cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles laid out on grass
    Image attribution tooltip
    Nuclear_lily via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    The packaging industry outlook for 2024

    Packaging Dive takes a closer look at what’s in store for policymaking, producer responsibility, plastics and more.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 23, 2024
  • Pile of clear plastic bags full of waste/recycling on a street in New York
    Image attribution tooltip
    The image by Marco Verch is licensed under CC BY 2.0
    Image attribution tooltip

    Environmental advocates renew push for New York EPR bill

    Beyond Plastics, DeliverZero, Dispatch Goods and Re:Dish are among those pushing the New York Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act this year.

    By • Jan. 19, 2024
  • Image attribution tooltip
    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    Bag bans’ environmental impact mixed in recent studies

    A multi-site study says state and local bans have effectively reduced plastic waste. A separate recent analysis of New Jersey’s policy found higher PP consumption and carbon emissions linked to alternative bag uptake.

    By • Jan. 18, 2024
  • Fresh vegetables and fruits at the refrigerated section of a supermarket.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Hispanolistic via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    New alliance aims to elevate food safety concerns as packaging waste regulations develop

    Food and packaging groups are teaming up as the Alliance for Sustainable Packaging for Foods in response to actions in the EU and elsewhere.

    By • Jan. 17, 2024
  • A close up of a hand throwing away a plastic bottle into a recycling container.
    Image attribution tooltip
    Stockah via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    EPR, recycling refunds, labeling top 2024 packaging policy concerns

    Ameripen, the Can Manufacturers Institute, Flexible Packaging Association and Glass Packaging Institute shared what they’re anticipating and advocating for in this election year.

    By • Jan. 16, 2024
  • Plastic bottles
    Image attribution tooltip
    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
    Image attribution tooltip

    California names Circular Action Alliance its producer responsibility organization

    The brand-led organization will be the state’s sole PRO, following its selection as Colorado’s PRO and a member of Maryland’s EPR advisory committee. CAA had been working in California to connect with packaging producers.

    By Megan Quinn • Jan. 9, 2024