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 Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 18, 2025

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

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 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 Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 10, 2025

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 Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 5, 2025

Nova Scotia rolls out EPR for packaging program

The province’s new program took effect Dec. 1. Residents can now recycle an expanded list of items, including toothpaste tubes and hot and cold drink cups.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 4, 2025

Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws

Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2025

NAW escalates Oregon EPR lawsuit, seeking preliminary injunction

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is asking a court to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ahead of a next round of producer invoicing.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 26, 2025

Bottle bill talks gain momentum amid America First buzz, EPR

Eager to capture more high-quality material to incorporate into new packaging domestically, leaders from the competing plastic, glass and metal sectors are looking to jointly build on momentum from 2025’s legislative sessions.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 21, 2025

Prioritizing end markets key to taming EPR tension: PPRC speakers

While some aspects of EPR programs, like ecomodulation, won’t be a priority until later, end market identification should be done up front, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 21, 2025

EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 15, 2025

Newsom blocks bill that would further limit PFAS in packaging

While packaging groups opposed the PFAS bill, it was ultimately derailed by pushback from the restaurant industry. The California governor also vetoed a bill to further limit plastic microbeads in certain products.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 16, 2025

California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area

A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.

By Marissa Heffernan • Oct. 7, 2025

8.5M tons of packaging entered California landfills in 2024: CalRecycle study

The study, mandated by SB 54, sheds light on what percentage of single-use packaging and food ware materials might be diverted from landfills after the state’s extended producer responsibility program kicks in.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 6, 2025

Beyond compliance: How Circular Action Alliance supports producers through EPR

As EPR laws for paper and packaging roll out across several U.S. states, producers must navigate a new and evolving regulatory landscape.

Oct. 6, 2025

Top packaging trade shows in 2026

These conferences and events — ranging from smaller-scale niche gatherings to shows bringing together some 50,000 people — promise fresh opportunities for learning and making connections.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Oct. 1, 2025

California names companies expected to report emissions, climate risks

State regulators released a preliminary list of entities, including packaging manufacturers, that may have to report under SB 253 and SB 261. Companies that have already completed TCFD reports could have a leg up.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 26, 2025

Oil packaging group’s individual program plan approved for Colorado EPR

The Lubricant Packaging Manufacturers Association, which petroleum companies founded last year in response to state EPR laws, hopes there will also be alternative pathways in other states.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 22, 2025

Manufacturers scrutinize supply chains for California scope 3 emissions disclosures

While federal regulations may be on hold, California is moving ahead with greenhouse gas reporting requirements. Packaging companies are digging deep into their data to get ready.

By Mary Catherine O’Connor • Sept. 22, 2025

EPA approves final cleanup plan for Texas Superfund site tied to International Paper

The final approval comes after years of disagreements between the U.S. EPA, a WM subsidiary and International Paper. Estimated cleanup costs for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site are $115 million.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 19, 2025

California lawmakers ban PFAS in food packaging, limit microbeads

The bills now await a decision from Gov. Gavin Newsom. Legislators declined to act on a bill that had backing from plastic recyclers related to recycled content in beverage containers.

By Cole Rosengren • Sept. 15, 2025