EPR & Regulation

  • Close-up of a wrap label on a Diet Coke beverage bottle that says "I'm a 100% Recycled Bottle"
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    Maria Rachal/Packaging Dive
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    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 • Aug. 3, 2026
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    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
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    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
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    Retrieved from Domtar on July 28, 2026
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    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 • July 28, 2026
  • Rep. Randy Weber speaks at a Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on July 22, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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    Screenshot: House Committee on Energy and Commerce/YouTube

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    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 • July 23, 2026
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    EPR legal challenges

    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 • July 21, 2026
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    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 • Updated July 15, 2026
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    Deep Dive

    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 • July 13, 2026
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    5 packaging EPR lawsuits to watch

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

    By • July 10, 2026
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    Courtesy of Circular Action Alliance
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    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 , Megan Quinn • July 8, 2026
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    Mathieu Lewis-Rolland via Getty Images
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    EPR legal challenges

    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 • July 7, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    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 • July 2, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    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 • July 2, 2026
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    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
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    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 • July 1, 2026
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    California standardizes date labeling, Virginia bans foam food containers

    While 2026 has already seen multiple new packaging laws implemented, the year’s halfway mark brings a few more.

    By • July 1, 2026
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    Courtesy of Carton Council
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    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
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    Jeff Wells/Packaging Dive
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    EPR legal challenges

    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 • June 29, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    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 • June 26, 2026
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    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 • June 24, 2026
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    EPR legal challenges

    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 • Updated June 23, 2026
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    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 • June 16, 2026
  • Two people's arms reach out over a foodservice counter to exchange a reusable coffee mug with a "Choose to Reuse" sticker on it.
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    Permission granted by City of Portland
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    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 • June 12, 2026
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    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 • June 11, 2026
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    Permission granted by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation Marketing/Michael Fagle
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    Sponsored by Polyfuze Graphics Corporation

    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
  • A New York City Sanitation Department rear-loading truck sits behind a graffitied mailbox on a street lined by three-story brick buildings.
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    Jacob Wallace/Packaging Dive
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    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
  • a close-up of film plastic and plastic bags
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    Megan Quinn/Packaging Dive
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    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