Washington EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

Bill sponsors see the packaging EPR program as a way to bring recycling services to more residents and raise recycling rates. Haulers in the state opposed the bill over cost concerns.

By Megan Quinn • April 24, 2025

Packaging groups support combo EPR, bottle bill legislation in Rhode Island

A commission on plastic bottle waste recommended combo legislation as one path forward. Some packaging and recycling group leaders said in an op-ed that the state “can learn from, and leapfrog, other states” with a new bill.

By Maria Rachal • April 21, 2025

Tariff turmoil: Box demand dips, recession fears rise

The impact of uncertainty from tariffs already is appearing in the paper and packaging industry, and manufacturers are expressing concern about a potential recession this year, according to analysts.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 18, 2025

Massachusetts EPR commission sets timeline for packaging discussions

At its inaugural meeting this week, the MassDEP-led group acknowledged concerns around the state's pace of policy action as well as the complexity of packaging EPR. Recommendations are due to the legislature next January.

By Cole Rosengren • April 18, 2025

Duties coming on aluminum containers from China following US trade ruling

The U.S. government investigated after foil container manufacturers raised issue with imports of trays, lids and more. But U.S. industry is still concerned about Chinese companies transshipping through other countries.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 15, 2025

Oregon’s PRO aims to collect more EPR data in April

At least 1,200 producers have submitted reports in the state, out of more than 2,300 registered with the PRO. Circular Action Alliance hopes to collect more supply data during a grace period following a March 31 reporting deadline.

By Maria Rachal • April 14, 2025

International Paper finds buyer for 5 European box plants

IP cannot reacquire any of the divested corrugated plants for 10 years, unless the European Commission determines that market conditions have changed. The commission required the sale for approval of IP’s acquisition of DS Smith.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 14, 2025

California confirms EPS food service ware ban

CalRecycle said that after a review, there’s not sufficient data showing covered materials meet a required 25% recycling rate. This clarifies what many had already considered a de facto ban under SB 54.

By Maria Rachal • April 8, 2025

Maryland EPR for packaging bill heads to governor’s desk

SB 901 calls for reimbursing key recycling collection, transportation and processing costs in the state, including for organics. Maryland would be the sixth state with packaging EPR if Gov. Wes Moore signs the bill. 

By Megan Quinn • April 8, 2025

Alberta launches EPR for packaging program

The first phase of the program places responsibility on producers to fully fund packaging recycling, a move government officials say will raise recycling rates and decrease costs.

By Megan Quinn • April 1, 2025

Makary confirmed by Senate as FDA commissioner

The Johns Hopkins surgeon will helm the agency as layoffs loom and important decisions on treatments for rare and infectious diseases await.

By Jonathan Gardner • March 27, 2025

US states renew push for tethered bottle caps to help recycling

Since last July, companies selling single-use plastic beverage containers in the EU have had to tether caps or lids. California legislators advanced a similar regulation that beverage makers oppose.

By Maria Rachal • March 27, 2025

California packaging EPR implementation moves ahead amid regulatory redo

State officials shared updates in the first SB 54 advisory board meeting since Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a regulatory restart. CalRecycle said it will continue working on multiple other statutory requirements in the meantime.

By Megan Quinn • March 24, 2025

Packaging groups back bipartisan recycling bill in Congress

Companies including Ball, Kraft Heinz and SC Johnson registered their support. This adds to other packaging-related bills in the 119th Congress, including the Steward Act and the Farewell to Foam Act.

By Maria Rachal • March 21, 2025

Days away from Oregon EPR reporting deadline, cue the ‘compliance anxiety’

In a U.S. first, producers of packaging, paper and food service ware have until the end of the month to report 2024 supply data through Circular Action Alliance’s portal. Oregon plans to start the program in July.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 21, 2025

Navigating Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act: What producers need to know

Producers must register and report 2024 supply data by March 31, 2025 to comply with Oregon’s EPR packaging law.

By Kim Holmes, Oregon Executive Director at Circular Action Alliance • March 17, 2025

Manufacturers hail EPA plans to rethink particulate matter regulations

The National Association of Manufacturers, American Forest & Paper Association and others previously challenged an update to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards in court.

By Cole Rosengren • March 14, 2025

Navigating next steps on EPR in California and beyond

CalRecycle said it will revise the regulations and associated documents, and initiate a new formal rulemaking process, starting with a 45-day public comment period.

By Maria Rachal • Updated March 13, 2025

Newsom sends California back to the drawing board on EPR implementation

After extensive public input, multiple revisions and missing a deadline to finalize SB 54 rules, one lawmaker called progress “significantly delayed.” Some environmental advocates say they would again weigh a ballot initiative.

By Maria Rachal • March 10, 2025

Maryland’s recycling needs assessment sheds light on possible EPR impacts

A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.

By Megan Quinn • March 6, 2025

China’s import policies changed fiber trade. Tariffs could change it again.

RaboResearch explored how pulp and paper are “caught in the cross fire of a new North American trade war” as well as trade trends with folding cartonboard and recovered paper.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 5, 2025

How PROs can support reuse in EPR programs

Upstream calls on producer responsibility organizations to transparently track targets for reusables’ market share and return rates.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 20, 2025

Minnesota taps Circular Action Alliance for EPR program

Producers must register in Minnesota later this year. The CEO of CAA says the producer responsibility organization’s work in other states “enables us to immediately find efficiencies for producers” and “scale best practices.”

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 19, 2025

Metal packaging manufacturers raise red flags over new tariffs

Both packaging and “consumer prices will go up” as manufacturers pass down increased costs, said Can Manufacturers Institute President Robert Budway.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 11, 2025

Green Guides updates still pending as states lead on labeling

Packaging industry leaders think discussion at the congressional level could be possible this year on how to create greater unity for recyclability, compostability and other labeling standards.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 10, 2025