Regulation

  • Close-up shot of a food container with film that says recyclable.
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    Packaging sustainability is ‘failing.’ Or is it?

    A speaker set off a firestorm at The Packaging Conference this week with a comment about sustainability efforts being a flop. But others believe reports of packaging sustainability's death may have been greatly exaggerated.

    By • Feb. 12, 2026
  • The steps of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
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    Tennessee packaging EPR bill revamped with small business, county exemptions

    The bill, now featuring exemptions, takes a business-centric approach that differs from other state EPR programs. Supporters include the Association of Plastic Recyclers, Unilever, Mars and Atlantic Packaging.

    By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2026
  • Oregon's state capitol building in Salem, Oregon.
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    Oregon judge grants wholesalers preliminary injunction in packaging EPR case

    The latest court development shields National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors members for the coming months and tees up a trial in July.

    By • Updated Feb. 9, 2026
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    EPR retains packaging policy spotlight in 2026

    Industry groups are largely focused on state action in the Northeast. Meanwhile, labeling discussions are gaining ground at the federal level.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
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    The packaging industry outlook for 2026

    Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026
  • Mixed plastic recyclables move on a conveyor belt at Recology's Recycle Central
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    CAA readies California EPR program plan without finalized rules or needs assessment

    Circular Action Alliance says it’s forging ahead but is between a rock and a hard place, as business and environmental advocacy representatives also worry about the implications of pressing toward a January 2027 start.

    By • Jan. 26, 2026
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    California’s ‘truth in labeling’ law creates uncertainty about carton recycling

    SB 343 is slated to take effect in October. Carton advocates and environmental groups disagree over future markets and labeling for the material.

    By Megan Quinn • Jan. 23, 2026
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    New Jersey adopts law to reduce restaurants’ plastic waste

    The by-request-only policy for takeout utensils and condiment packets adds to similar laws in states including California and Washington and cities such as New York.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
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    BPI still seeking compost rulemaking at USDA

    The Biodegradable Products Institute is focusing on bringing more clarity to compostable packaging’s future in California, dually advocating for rulemaking at USDA as well as new state legislation.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026
  • Rows of metal cans on a manufacturing line.
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    Russian government takes ‘temporary’ control of Canpack operations

    Canpack says it has followed the country’s regulations for 30 years and does not understand the government’s actions. Other packaging companies exited Russia after it launched a war against Ukraine.

    By • Jan. 16, 2026
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    USDA organics board rejects compostable polymers, puts paper on watch

    While the group is concerned about contamination from synthetic polymers broadly, it’s open to evaluating individual substances or narrower use cases such as fruit stickers or collection bags.

    By • Updated Jan. 15, 2026
  • A cheeseburger served in a compostable food container at San Francisco's Jefferson Elementary School, on Dec. 15, 2025. The container is wrapped in plastic film to ensure food safety and to avoid spillage during transport.
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    Permission granted by Mary Catherine O'Connor
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    Deep Dive

    Compostable packaging acceptance remains contentious even as sector scales

    Regulatory questions cloud the segment’s future, as do concerns about feedstocks, material capabilities and compostability claims.

    By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Jan. 12, 2026
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    California packaging EPR rules delayed again

    In the latest speed bump for implementing SB 54, CalRecycle withdrew proposed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law's review, noting planned revisions related to packaging for food and agricultural commodities.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026
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    5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

    Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

    By , • Jan. 8, 2026
  • Three carts on curb in San Diego - blue for recycling, black for trash and green for organic waste
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    Permission granted by City of San Diego
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    How much plastic, paper, metal and glass are recycled in California?

    For the first time, CalRecycle published estimated recycling rates for materials that will be covered under packaging EPR law SB 54.

    By • Jan. 7, 2026
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    Packaging laws taking effect in 2026

    The new year brings additional PFAS regulations, as well as restrictions on plastic bottles at hotels and on certain takeout packaging. Plus, California prepares to implement a long-anticipated labeling law.

    By • Jan. 5, 2026
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    2025 packaging trends by the numbers

    A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

    By , • Dec. 23, 2025
  • The Ashland Recycling Center in Oregon.
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    Courtesy of RecycleOn
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    There are more calls to harmonize state EPR programs. What does that mean?

    Many different stakeholders agree on aligning producer definitions and covered material categories. But other areas should allow for regional individuality and be informed by future results from U.S. programs, some sources say.

    By • Dec. 22, 2025
  • Recycle trash bin for bottles and cans in front of the United States Capitol Building
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    Will Congress tackle packaging EPR?

    Growing frustration with a patchwork of state laws may fuel more discussion on Capitol Hill of a federal framework, but it would be a long game, sources say. A new bill seeking to harmonize labeling policy could serve as a litmus test.

    By • Dec. 19, 2025
  • Rep. Randy Weber, R-Texas, speaks at a press conference, alongside members of the Second Amendment Caucus, outside the U.S. Capitol Building on March 8, 2022 in Washington, D.C.
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    Pack Act introduced in Congress to cut through labeling confusion

    The bill, championed by Ameripen, would preempt state laws and call on the FTC to require certain parameters such as third-party certifications for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer products.

    By • Dec. 18, 2025
  • A closeup of beverage cans and bottles for recycling
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    The evolving role of statewide recycling needs assessments

    These reports are a common tool for driving EPR programs. Who should lead the process and decide the data strategy and timeline? And where do they stand in 10 states? Eunomia and CAA weigh in.

    By Megan Quinn • Dec. 18, 2025
  • Three blue, green and gray waste carts out on a street in Fort Collins, Colorado, on pickup day for household trash, backyard trimmings and recyclable materials.
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    Help wanted: State agencies and producers staff up to implement packaging EPR

    Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

    By Marissa Heffernan • Dec. 16, 2025
  • Massachusetts State House dome behind container of waste
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    Cole Rosengren/Packaging Dive
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    Massachusetts commission punts on packaging EPR

    A legislative commission, convened by MassDEP, endorsed the idea of a needs assessment for packaging. The group also endorsed EPR for paint, mattresses, batteries and electronics.

    By • Dec. 11, 2025
  • An extreme closeup of a piece of fiber packaging with "100% compostable" stamped into the material.
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    Success for composting and EPR programs go hand in hand: report

    Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium laid out a composter reimbursement framework that PROs could build on. Incentives correlate to greater acceptance of compostable packaging.

    By • Dec. 10, 2025
  • A variety of paper, plastic, glass and metal packaging on green artificial turf.
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    US and EU can learn from each other’s regulations, packaging groups say

    Ameripen Executive Director Lynn Dyer and Europen Secretary General Francesca Stevens described during a webinar some areas of overlap and opportunities for learning among the regions’ EPR approaches.

    By • Dec. 5, 2025