More California MRFs are sorting cartons, easing recent recycling concerns

New data says the number of carton-sorting MRFs has expanded to serve 62% of California counties, back above a key “recyclable” threshold as part of the upcoming “truth in labeling” law. But recycling rates remain low.

By Megan Quinn • June 29, 2026

Class-action lawsuit over EPR targets Oregon DEQ director

In yet another packaging EPR lawsuit, Lollicup USA cites similar grounds as a National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors case. The company wants to represent producers that aren’t covered by NAW’s preliminary injunction.

By Maria Rachal • June 29, 2026

Explore the Trendline➔

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

PCR: The other 3-letter packaging mandate on brands’ radars

Brands are trying to remain in compliance with the increasing number of state recycled content mandates, but material availability and cost remain holdbacks, according to speakers at the Packaging Recycling Summit.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 26, 2026

4 EPR takeaways from the Packaging Recycling Summit

Packaging minds from P&G, General Mills and Just Born Quality Confections, along with municipal waste leaders and other collaborators, discussed the latest compliance tensions and emerging solutions.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 24, 2026

17 Republican AGs suing over California packaging EPR law

Less than a month out from a trial in Oregon, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says it’s joining this California lawsuit as the sole business plaintiff.

By Maria Rachal • Updated June 23, 2026

California EPR program budget expected to exceed $9B in next 5 years

Circular Action Alliance hit a key milestone Monday, submitting its draft program plan with new details on SB 54 implementation. It proposes pushing back a certain source reduction requirement following regulatory delays.

By Maria Rachal • June 16, 2026

No takeout containers? No problem. BYO takes root in Portland, Oregon.

A regional government launched a bring-your-own-container initiative after the state passed a law allowing the practice. Local leaders collaborate with nonprofits and private reuse businesses.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 12, 2026

Bill in Congress targets PFAS, phthalates, BPA in food packaging

The No Toxics in Food Packaging Act seeks to ban certain chemicals from food packaging and food processing materials.

By Maria Rachal • June 11, 2026

EPR requires lifetime track & trace. Are you ready?

For years, packaging decisions focused primarily on cost, protection, transportation efficiency and shelf performance. EPR shifted the conversation.

By Polyfuze Graphics Marketing • June 8, 2026

New York packaging EPR bill won’t move forward in 2026

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act faced another year of intense scrutiny, lobbying and more than 30 amendments.

By Megan Quinn • June 5, 2026

California EPR deadlines spur urgent flexible film recycling solutions

Film recycling systems need rapid upgrades to meet strict requirements under SB 54. Representatives from the US Flexible Film Initiative, Circular Action Alliance and other groups noted pilots and funding initiatives that may help.

By Megan Quinn • June 1, 2026

Producers just passed a major packaging EPR deadline. Now what?

Many companies may still be behind on a May 31 deadline, while others can shift some focus to optimizing packaging. Eunomia, Pure Strategies, EY and Washburn Consulting weigh in.

By Marissa Heffernan • June 1, 2026

California advances compostables, recycled content labeling bills

The legislation divided trade groups over mass balance accounting, plastics in compost and more.

By Maria Rachal • May 29, 2026

Emerald Packaging CEO on his dual role as supplier and policy advisor

The 63-year-old company just closed its first acquisition. CEO Kevin Kelly spoke with Packaging Dive about forgoing private equity investment and helping customers adapt to EPR.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 28, 2026

California’s SB 54 kicks off a fresh look at reuse and refill collection

CalRecycle’s recent needs assessments related to source reduction outlined steep costs for producers to redesign packaging and invest in new systems.

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • May 26, 2026

Oregon updates responsible end markets verification process

Among the agreed-upon updates to the EPR program plan are a benchmarking process for third-party certifications and PRO verifications, certain adjustments to performance criteria, and a variance for glass furnaces.

By Maria Rachal • May 22, 2026

More litigation expected over California recycling regulations

Packaging EPR law SB 54 could spark lawsuits from environmental groups and businesses alike. Meanwhile, certain industry groups are seeking a preliminary injunction with recyclability labeling law SB 343.

By Maria Rachal • May 13, 2026

CalRecycle publishes new SB 54 guidance for producers

The agency is shedding more light on identifying producer status and covered materials under the packaging EPR and source reduction law, as well as declaring food and agricultural packaging that may be excluded.

By Maria Rachal • May 12, 2026

CAA seeks to standardize responsible end market requirements

Circular Action Alliance is accepting public comments on a proposed REM standard meant to be cohesive across packaging EPR states. It aims to ensure materials are handled in an environmentally sound way.

By Megan Quinn • May 11, 2026

Packaging, materials groups testify in Section 301 tariff probe

Representatives from the Can Manufacturers Institute and Association of Plastic Recyclers were among the groups testifying this week about foreign countries’ trade actions that harm U.S. manufacturers.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 8, 2026

Maine’s packaging EPR implementation lags

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection still expects producers will owe money this year. But the process of contracting with a stewardship organization has repeatedly been pushed back.

By Maria Rachal • May 8, 2026

At long last, California publishes SB 54 EPR rules

The milestone gives way to next compliance steps for the sweeping extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Circular Action Alliance also published estimated fees for obligated producers.

By Maria Rachal • May 4, 2026

Cannabis companies send smoke signals about packaging regulation challenges

As adult recreational cannabis becomes more mainstream, companies are putting a greater focus on product packaging. Industry participants say they must balance compliance with controlling quality and costs.

By Katie Pyzyk • April 20, 2026

California bills propose compostables restrictions

The Biodegradable Products Institute says recent bills don’t address some of the most critical underlying issues that currently threaten the future of compostable packaging in California.

By Maria Rachal • April 20, 2026

Massachusetts Senate passes bill addressing bags, foam, foodservice packaging

The $3.6 billion environmental policy package left out any next steps on extended producer responsibility for packaging, but includes numerous plastics provisions.

By Cole Rosengren • April 16, 2026