Regulation

  • Close up view of an aerosol can nozzle
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    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
  • The Washington state capitol building.
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    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 • March 5, 2026
  • Conveyor processing compost at a landfill from consumer collection program
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    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 • Feb. 23, 2026
  • President Trump holding tariff chart during "Liberation Day" announcement on April 2, 2025 in DC
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    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
  • A person stands behind a podium that's in front of a blue background that says The Packaging Conference.
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    Katie Pyzyk/Packaging Dive
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    Takeaways from The Packaging Conference 2026

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

    By • Feb. 20, 2026
  • different types of packaging in different bins
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    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 • Feb. 18, 2026
  • The top of the U.S. Capitol Building's dome is pictured on a cloudy day.
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    Win McNamee via Getty Images
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    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 • Feb. 13, 2026
  • Close-up shot of a food container with film that says recyclable.
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    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 • Feb. 12, 2026
  • The steps of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
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    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's state capitol building in Salem, Oregon.
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    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 • Updated Feb. 9, 2026
  • A collection of cans, cartons, glass and plastic bottles laid out on grass
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    EPR retains packaging policy spotlight in 2026

    Industry groups are largely focused on state action in the Northeast. Meanwhile, labeling discussions are gaining ground at the federal level.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
  • different types of packaging in different bins
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    The packaging industry outlook for 2026

    Take a closer look at some of the biggest topics and trends that industry leaders expect will shape commodity markets, dealmaking and the future of packaging policy.

    By Packaging Dive Staff • Jan. 30, 2026
  • Mixed plastic recyclables move on a conveyor belt at Recology's Recycle Central
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    CAA readies California EPR program plan without finalized rules or needs assessment

    Circular Action Alliance says it’s forging ahead but is between a rock and a hard place, as business and environmental advocacy representatives also worry about the implications of pressing toward a January 2027 start.

    By • Jan. 26, 2026
  • a close up of a bale of recycled cartons
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    California’s ‘truth in labeling’ law creates uncertainty about carton recycling

    SB 343 is slated to take effect in October. Carton advocates and environmental groups disagree over future markets and labeling for the material.

    By Megan Quinn • Jan. 23, 2026
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    New Jersey adopts law to reduce restaurants’ plastic waste

    The by-request-only policy for takeout utensils and condiment packets adds to similar laws in states including California and Washington and cities such as New York.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
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    BPI still seeking compost rulemaking at USDA

    The Biodegradable Products Institute is focusing on bringing more clarity to compostable packaging’s future in California, dually advocating for rulemaking at USDA as well as new state legislation.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026
  • Rows of metal cans on a manufacturing line.
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    Russian government takes ‘temporary’ control of Canpack operations

    Canpack says it has followed the country’s regulations for 30 years and does not understand the government’s actions. Other packaging companies exited Russia after it launched a war against Ukraine.

    By • Jan. 16, 2026
  • hands hold compostable bag
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    USDA organics board rejects compostable polymers, puts paper on watch

    While the group is concerned about contamination from synthetic polymers broadly, it’s open to evaluating individual substances or narrower use cases such as fruit stickers or collection bags.

    By • Updated Jan. 15, 2026
  • A cheeseburger served in a compostable food container at San Francisco's Jefferson Elementary School, on Dec. 15, 2025. The container is wrapped in plastic film to ensure food safety and to avoid spillage during transport.
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    Permission granted by Mary Catherine O'Connor
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    Deep Dive

    Compostable packaging acceptance remains contentious even as sector scales

    Regulatory questions cloud the segment’s future, as do concerns about feedstocks, material capabilities and compostability claims.

    By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Jan. 12, 2026
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    Rachel Murray via Getty Images
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    California packaging EPR rules delayed again

    In the latest speed bump for implementing SB 54, CalRecycle withdrew proposed regulations from the Office of Administrative Law's review, noting planned revisions related to packaging for food and agricultural commodities.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026
  • Packaged items on refrigerated grocery shelves.
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    5 packaging industry trends to watch in 2026

    Long-anticipated EPR and labeling regulations are poised to have very real impacts. The M&A cycle is advancing. And is there nowhere to go but up for containerboard?

    By , • Jan. 8, 2026
  • Three carts on curb in San Diego - blue for recycling, black for trash and green for organic waste
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    Permission granted by City of San Diego
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    How much plastic, paper, metal and glass are recycled in California?

    For the first time, CalRecycle published estimated recycling rates for materials that will be covered under packaging EPR law SB 54.

    By • Jan. 7, 2026
  • a worker hands over a paper bag to a customer's hand
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    Packaging laws taking effect in 2026

    The new year brings additional PFAS regulations, as well as restrictions on plastic bottles at hotels and on certain takeout packaging. Plus, California prepares to implement a long-anticipated labeling law.

    By • Jan. 5, 2026
  • Flexible plastic packaging pouches
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    2025 packaging trends by the numbers

    A $10.4 billion acquisition. Two new EPR laws. A $1 billion kraft linerboard mill investment. These were some of the figures that stood out in the packaging industry this year.

    By , • Dec. 23, 2025
  • The Ashland Recycling Center in Oregon.
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    Courtesy of RecycleOn
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    There are more calls to harmonize state EPR programs. What does that mean?

    Many different stakeholders agree on aligning producer definitions and covered material categories. But other areas should allow for regional individuality and be informed by future results from U.S. programs, some sources say.

    By • Dec. 22, 2025