Federal legislation would nix PFAS in food packaging

This is the second time around for the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act. More than a dozen states have already passed laws restricting PFAS in packaging, but the federal government so far hasn’t taken such action.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 29, 2026

Newsom vetoes recycled content claims bill, blaming ‘economic headwinds’

In another win for industry groups, the California governor said he didn’t want to “unduly burden manufacturers and suppliers” already affected by recent trade policy changes.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 28, 2026

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Preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility

The ramp-up for EPR implementation is steep in 2026. Producers and supply chain partners share insights on reporting, budgeting, design and more.

By Packaging Dive staff

NAW to appeal ruling that upheld Oregon EPR law

“The district court reached the wrong legal conclusions, and we’re asking the Ninth Circuit to correct them,” said National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors CEO Eric Hoplin.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 25, 2026

California governor vetoes updates to SB 54’s plastic pollution fund

SB 1180 was opposed by the Flexible Packaging Association, Plastics Industry Association and others. The $5 billion Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund is slated to kick off next year.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 21, 2026

Judge sets date for Colgate toothpaste tube recyclability trial

Attorneys now indicate they plan to subpoena MRFs and waste management companies, including WM and Republic Services, for additional information.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 14, 2026

Lawsuits poised to strengthen future packaging EPR policies, advocates say

A first-of-its-kind ruling in Oregon may give new confidence to legislators in other states and improve the clarity of policies going forward, said leaders from the Product Stewardship Institute and The Recycling Partnership.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 11, 2026

New Jersey delays PCR requirements for food-contact packaging to 2030

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection said technologies still don’t exist at scale to reliably meet the requirements. The Association of Plastic Recyclers disagreed, citing concerns about stranded assets.

By Marissa Heffernan • Sept. 11, 2026

With California’s SB 343 stalled, push for federal labeling law continues

Ameripen President Lynn Dyer said questions arose about the need for the Pack Act after a court acted on California’s policy. “But the reality is, we still don’t know what's actually going to happen there, and that’s only one state.”

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 3, 2026

After novel Oregon EPR ruling, attention turns to other legal battlegrounds

Attorneys are unpacking how the judge’s opinion could possibly shape future legal arguments, while preliminary injunction pursuits remain pending in cases in California and Colorado.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Sept. 2, 2026

California bill cracking down on recycled content claims heads to Newsom

AB 2253 “helps restore trust to product labels,” said Assemblymember Tasha Boerner. The bill addresses controversy with mass balance accounting and was widely opposed by packaging trade groups.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 1, 2026

Oregon EPR law doesn’t violate Constitution, judge rules

The federal judge disagreed with plaintiff National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ claims, saying Oregon showed “innovative leadership” with its EPR law. The decision could influence other in-progress litigation over EPR laws.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated Aug. 28, 2026

Messy EPR process provides opportunities for brands, recyclers

Moving forward with packaging EPR implementation is a complex process but one that offers new ways to build better systems for long-term recycling improvements, speakers said during a Be Waste Wise panel on Wednesday.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 27, 2026

Trump vows 50% tariffs on Canada cars, trucks, auto parts, steel

The president announced the new levies, effective Jan. 1, after Canada said it would retaliate against duties the U.S. implemented over the weekend. 

By Phil Neuffer • Updated Aug. 24, 2026

California EPR lawsuit escalates as forthcoming Oregon ruling looms

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors and 17 AGs are seeking to block SB 54 enforcement. Their complaint also now accounts for tie-ins with recyclability law SB 343, for which enforcement is temporarily blocked.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 21, 2026

Maine EPR timeline in flux after no PROs emerge to manage program

Maine was the first state to pass a packaging EPR law, but has lagged with implementation. Circular Action Alliance, which was directly selected to manage programs in six other states, declined to submit a proposal. 

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 20, 2026

California compostables bills, opposed by BPI, won’t advance

“This is a major, but short-term, accomplishment in California,” said BPI Executive Director Rhodes Yepsen. Also this summer, USDA previewed plans to potentially update organics regulations.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Aug. 18, 2026

It’s here: EU PPWR requirements begin to phase in

The Aug. 12 milestone comes with restrictions on PFAS in food-contact packaging. The European Commission recently clarified enforcement plans.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2026

FDA lays out plan to close ingredients, food-contact substances ‘loophole’

The agency’s proposal would require companies to provide more information on chemicals self-affirmed as safe under the controversial GRAS framework. Public comment is open until Dec. 9.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 11, 2026

Truth in Labeling Act introduced in Congress

Yet another federal proposal has emerged to clarify labeling for recyclable, compostable and reusable packaging. Supporters include the US Composting Council, the Paper Recycling Coalition, Recology and others.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2026

Tracking Plastic Act proposes advancing recycled content standards

The bill introduced by California Democrat Adam Schiff comes as debate swirls about what counts as recycled content in plastic packaging and how it should be labeled.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 3, 2026

NAW files lawsuit challenging Colorado EPR law

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says the law violates the First Amendment, and PRO CAA is “an unaccountable private party." NAW seeks to block the law’s enforcement, similar to its approach in Oregon.

By Megan Quinn • Updated July 31, 2026

Domtar agrees to pay $1.5M to settle clean air violations

The company will also undertake approximately $2.6 million worth of projects at its pulp and paper mill in Ashdown, Arkansas, to address emissions and to correct inadequate inspection and monitoring practices.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 28, 2026

Labeling, recycled content bills spotlighted in congressional hearing

Ameripen and the Recycling Leadership Council are trying to advance the Pack Act and the Recycled Materials Attribution Act. But critics worry about preemption and mass balance accounting.

By Maria Rachal • July 23, 2026

Oregon EPR trial: What to watch next

Attorneys say they’re looking ahead to upcoming post-trial briefings and are considering program structure, compliance and legislative implications in Oregon, California and nationally.

By Maria Rachal • July 21, 2026

California blocked from enforcing upcoming ‘truth in labeling’ law

Ahead of an October start date, a federal court has granted a preliminary injunction. The Flexible Packaging Association and American Forest & Paper Association reacted to the news.

By Maria Rachal • Updated July 15, 2026