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

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

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

Molded fiber producers tout growth, innovations despite regulatory hurdle

Technology advancements that reduce PFAS and improve dry molding — and brands’ pivots from single-use plastics — are driving growth. Yet molded fiber might not be recyclable under a new California law.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 13, 2026

5 packaging EPR lawsuits to watch

From Oregon to California, these cases have been filed in the last year.

By Maria Rachal • July 10, 2026

By the numbers: Oregon’s 1st year of packaging EPR

Nearly 3,000 participating producers. $167.9 million in revenue collected. Almost 410,000 tons of covered products sold. These are some of Circular Action Alliance’s newly released stats from the program’s initial months.

By Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • July 8, 2026

Packaging EPR goes on trial

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors spoke with Packaging Dive as it prepares for a trial in Oregon next week, less than a year after challenging the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act.

By Maria Rachal • July 7, 2026

Insights from the 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit

Catch up on Packaging Dive’s coverage from the fourth annual event, including about brands’ EPR challenges and work toward solutions for recycling film and small-format packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2026

A big deal for small packaging: Pilot projects advance recycling

The Glass Packaging Institute and Closed Loop Partners describe how findings from pilots could be “transformative” for multiple recycling streams.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 2, 2026

Film recycling hits a pivotal moment

The next 12 months will be crucial for proving viability of flexible film recycling initiatives, said speakers from GDB Circular, General Mills and P&G. Recent pilots already have helped move at least 1.5 million pounds to end markets.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 1, 2026