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

AF&PA can’t join NAW’s Oregon EPR lawsuit, judge rules

The American Forest & Paper Association, which has noted higher-than-anticipated fees, “remains fully committed to pursuing all available legal and strategic options” to protect members.

By Maria Rachal • Updated April 8, 2026

New EU guidance on PPWR released less than 5 months from start date

Europen said the guidance “still falls short of providing the legal certainty and operational clarity businesses urgently require” ahead of Aug. 12. Implementing acts are still in the works.

By Maria Rachal • March 31, 2026

Lubricants, wholesaler groups talk EPR lawsuits

For now, the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association and National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors say they remain focused on Colorado and Oregon, respectively.

By Maria Rachal • March 30, 2026

CAA preparing for California EPR on compressed timeline

SB 54 regulations are still yet to be finalized. Circular Action Alliance will submit its program plan by June 15. The PRO has received more than 2,000 producer reports, but notes some producers are holding out.

By Maria Rachal • March 23, 2026

California’s recyclability labeling law under fire in new lawsuit

The Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association are among the plaintiffs seeking a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of SB 343 come October.

By Maria Rachal • March 18, 2026

Paper industry joins Oregon EPR lawsuit

After the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors secured a preliminary injunction in February, the American Forest & Paper Association, plus groups representing grocers and other businesses, want in.

By Maria Rachal • March 17, 2026

USITC advances 4 trade cases with implications for packaging

Polypropylene corrugated boxes and PET films are among the products that saw determinations in Q1. PP corrugated box producer Inteplast explained why it submitted a request for review and what effect new duties would have.

By Katie Pyzyk • March 17, 2026

Tennessee packaging EPR bill sidelined for 2026

The bill faced pushback from groups like Ameripen and bottlers. Vowing to return stronger next year, state Sen. Heidi Campbell said she’s proud of how the bill has put EPR awareness on the map in the Southeast.

By Maria Rachal • March 12, 2026

With help of EPR, aerosol can groups push for recycling acceptance

A new playbook from trade groups addresses concerns about safety and consumer education. Eureka Recycling weighs in on an issue dividing MRF operators.

By Marissa Heffernan • March 6, 2026

Washington taps Circular Action Alliance as PRO for packaging EPR

The latest appointment means CAA now serves as the approved producer responsibility organization in six states. A draft program plan is due in 2028 to implement in 2030.

By Maria Rachal • March 5, 2026

Producers, composters renew push for federal rulemaking on compost

“This national leadership is needed now more than ever to provide market certainty for the US supply chain,” BPI wrote in a letter to the USDA signed by Georgia-Pacific, the Foodservice Packaging Institute and dozens of others.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 23, 2026

Supreme Court invalidates Trump tariffs based on emergency powers

In a 6-3 decision, the court rejected President Trump's claim that a 1977 law gave him the authority to impose broad tariffs globally.

By Antone Gonsalves • Feb. 20, 2026

Takeaways from The Packaging Conference 2026

Speakers at the February event discussed timely industry topics including M&A, EPR, innovation and market growth.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 20, 2026

Will EPR actually increase recycling?

Skeptics sparked debate about the value of extended producer responsibility for packaging at The Packaging Conference in Austin, Texas. Perhaps the only clear thing is that a lot is still unclear about the emerging legislation.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 18, 2026

Recycled content claims bill introduced in Congress

The bipartisan Recycled Materials Attribution Act aims to establish federal standards and ensure the Green Guides are updated accordingly.

By Maria Rachal • Feb. 13, 2026

Packaging sustainability is ‘failing.’ Or is it?

A speaker set off a firestorm at The Packaging Conference this week with a comment about sustainability efforts being a flop. But others believe reports of packaging sustainability's death may have been greatly exaggerated.

By Katie Pyzyk • Feb. 12, 2026

Tennessee packaging EPR bill revamped with small business, county exemptions

The bill, now featuring exemptions, takes a business-centric approach that differs from other state EPR programs. Supporters include the Association of Plastic Recyclers, Unilever, Mars and Atlantic Packaging.

By Megan Quinn • Feb. 10, 2026

Oregon judge grants wholesalers preliminary injunction in packaging EPR case

The latest court development shields National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors members for the coming months and tees up a trial in July.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Feb. 9, 2026