Regulation


  • The capped tops of blue plastic water bottles
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    _laurent via Getty Images
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    Massachusetts Gov. Healey limits single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies

    In light of the executive order, environmental advocates also called for advancing state bills around EPR, plastic bags and other-single use items.

    By Sept. 22, 2023
  • The California statehouse
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    The image by Jimmy Emerson, DVM is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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    California legislature approves plastics alternatives working group, updates to EPR and bottle bill

    State lawmakers also greenlit restrictions to cannabis packaging considered attractive to children. Meanwhile, a bill to establish more uniform date labeling on food and beverage packaging was delayed.

    By Sept. 15, 2023
  • A Chipotle worker scans an RFID tag on a box as part of a growing traceability initiative
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    RFID on packaging gains traction amid food safety and waste concerns

    A tracking system traditionally used for nonperishable items could become more common on certain types of packaging ahead of future traceability requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 12, 2023
  • Close up view of stacked corrugated cardboard.
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    Mikola249 via Getty Images
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    Smurfit WestRock transaction

    Smurfit Kappa and WestRock deal not expected to face major barriers, analysts say

    The geographical diversity in the two companies’ assets could reduce competition concerns in what could become the largest containerboard company in the world.

    By Sept. 11, 2023
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Draft for UN plastics agreement lays out EPR, recycled content, reuse possibilities

    Observers noted a range of ambition in the possibilities put forth for how nations could approach extended producer responsibility, reduce problematic plastics and more. Stakeholders had mixed responses.

    By Sept. 8, 2023
  • A photo composite of tetra pack bottle being lassoed. The background is a screen shot from the 2012 Green Guides.
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    Photo illustration: Shaun Lucas/Industry Dive; Getty Images; Federal Trade Commission 

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    Deep Dive // FTC's Green Guides update

    Taming the wild west of environmental marketing: A Green Guides history

    More than 30 years after state attorneys general pushed for scrutiny of marketing claims, the packaging landscape is as complicated as ever. Did the guides serve their original purpose?

    By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Updated Sept. 6, 2023
  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
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    Romeo Gacad via Getty Images
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    Ameripen, ACC talk intersection of chemical recycling, EPR

    Chemical recyclers should participate in the legislative process as more EPR for packaging legislation comes down the pike, speakers at the Advanced Recycling Summit said.

    By Sept. 5, 2023
  • Upside down plastic bottles
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    sebasnoo via Getty Images
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    Container redemption rate stayed flat in 2022 in most states with bottle bills

    The Container Recycling Institute says stagnant rates could be improved by updating programs.

    By Megan Quinn • Aug. 31, 2023
  • Images of Diet Coke, Sprite and Fanta bottles with tethered caps
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    Courtesy of Sidel
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    Packaging companies and CPGs prepare for EU’s tethered bottle cap regulation

    Berry Global, Sidel and others have been working with companies to redesign beverage containers ahead of a new mandate taking effect in 2024.

    By Hollie Stephens • Aug. 29, 2023
  • One slice of pepperoni pizza in a cardboard box with grease stains on the base.
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    mphillips007 via Getty Images
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    PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

    Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which ones are gaining favor, remain limited.

    By April Reese • Aug. 24, 2023
  • Large bundles of plastic bags, cans and milk containers await processing at a recycling center.
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    shaunl via Getty Images
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    Packaging and recycling groups weigh in on Oregon EPR law details

    Ameripen, the Foodservice Packaging Institute, AF&PA and others commented on topics such as expanding the statewide collection list to include more product categories and clarifying a goal for “responsible end markets.”

    By Megan Quinn • Aug. 24, 2023
  • Coca-cola, soda
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    Christopher Doering/Packaging Dive
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    American Beverage names veteran insider as new CEO

    Kevin Keane has served in the role on an interim basis for the trade group, which represents Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and other beverage companies.

    By Christopher Doering • Aug. 23, 2023
  • More than a dozen labelless, silver-colored steel food cans grouped together.
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    wragg via Getty Images
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    Can makers await possible fallout from Commerce tin imports tariff decision

    The Can Manufacturers Institute warns that proposed tariffs could cause canned food prices to spike up to 30% while putting 40,000 jobs at risk. The Department of Commerce released its preliminary decision this week.

    By Aug. 18, 2023
  • Individual bottles of Pepsi cola.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    CPGs, brands respond to EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

    PepsiCo, American Beverage, the Consumer Brands Association and others weighed in on defining key terms like “single-use,” EPR policies, recycled content research and more.

    By Aug. 11, 2023
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    Rachel Murray via Getty Images
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    Packaging groups weigh in on EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

    Ameripen, the Flexible Packaging Association, NAPCOR and the Reusable Packaging Association were among thousands who submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

    By Aug. 10, 2023
  • An aerial view of the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon.
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    The image by Oregon Convention Center is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Reusable food containers rolled out at convention center

    Bold Reuse’s work with the Oregon Convention Center comes as reuse systems have been recently discussed at a U.S. Senate committee hearing and adopted by major event venues and vendors such as Coca-Cola.

    By Aug. 7, 2023
  • Close-up of a sign with office building and trees in background
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    Sarah Silbiger via Getty Images
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    Phthalates in food packaging: FDA declines to reconsider petition to ban

    Health and environmental advocates are evaluating next steps as the agency continues to allow numerous plastic-softening chemicals that some companies are voluntarily phasing out.

    By July 25, 2023
  • The sign for the EPA is pictured.
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    Justin Sullivan/Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Bio-based plastics, reuse systems highlighted in House Appropriations Committee budget proposal

    The committee seeks to cut the U.S. EPA's budget but says it supports work around recycling definitions and product labeling, and exploring U.S.-grown plastic alternatives such as hemp.

    By Megan Quinn • July 24, 2023
  • Green glass bottles
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    Boarding1Now via Getty Images
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    Bottle bill report aims to debunk claims that program costs hurt beverage sales

    The report, led by the Container Recycling Institute and Reloop, says there’s no evidence container deposit system costs impact sales. Cost concerns were among the reasons Vermont’s governor vetoed a recent bottle bill update.

    By Megan Quinn • July 20, 2023
  • The Michigan state capital building in Lansing
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    Bill Pugliano via Getty Images
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    Michigan proposal seeks to reclaim more containers under 10-cent bottle bill

    Lawmakers are again seeking an update after years of failed proposals. The latest version would add multiple common categories of beverage containers not currently included in the law.

    By Megan Quinn • July 13, 2023
  • A collage of some of the products cited in FTC-FDA cease and desist letters to companies selling THC products copying the look of snacks popular with children.
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    Courtesy of Federal Trade Commission
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    Cannabis packaging targeted by FTC, FDA over child safety concerns

    Multiple companies with products said to resemble popular snacks and candy were sent cease-and-desist letters. More states are considering their own regulations addressing packaging design for cannabis products.

    By July 6, 2023
  • Upside down plastic bottles
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    sebasnoo via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Demand for recycled plastic in packaging is growing. So are concerns about potential health risks.

    Recent studies have raised questions about health effects from plastic, including recycled material, as companies and regulators increasingly look at ways to advance the use of recycled resin in food-grade packaging.

    By April Reese • June 26, 2023
  • Aluminum cans at a factory
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    Gumpanat via Getty Images
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    Emissions data request could be precursor to carbon border tax on steel, aluminum

    While tariffs tend to drive up costs for metal-related businesses such as can producers, carbon tax research suggests recycled-content products would fare better in this scenario.

    By June 23, 2023
  • View of Rhode Island statehouse
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    sgoodwin4813 via Getty Images
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    Rhode Island legislature supports restricting foam containers, mini alcohol bottles

    The House and Senate passed bills as the legislative session wrapped up, with potential implications for certain plastic containers.

    By June 20, 2023
  • Machinery inside Graphic Packaging International's Kalamazoo, Michigan, paperboard production plant.
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    Permission granted by Graphic Packaging International
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    Graphic Packaging, government officials hit with lawsuit over toxic Michigan mill emissions

    The class-action lawsuit alleges that decades of systemic racism harmed about 8,000 residents in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company has been working with state officials to mitigate its hydrogen sulfide emissions.

    By June 13, 2023