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

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 Maria Rachal • Jan. 12, 2026

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 Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • Jan. 7, 2026

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 Maria Rachal • Jan. 5, 2026

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 Maria Rachal , Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 23, 2025

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 Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2025

Will Congress tackle packaging EPR?

Growing frustration with a patchwork of state laws may fuel more discussion on Capitol Hill of a federal framework, but it would be a long game, sources say. A new bill seeking to harmonize labeling policy could serve as a litmus test.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2025

Pack Act introduced in Congress to cut through labeling confusion

The bill, championed by Ameripen, would preempt state laws and call on the FTC to require certain parameters such as third-party certifications for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer products.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 18, 2025

The evolving role of statewide recycling needs assessments

These reports are a common tool for driving EPR programs. Who should lead the process and decide the data strategy and timeline? And where do they stand in 10 states? Eunomia and CAA weigh in.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 18, 2025

Help wanted: State agencies and producers staff up to implement packaging EPR

Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

By Marissa Heffernan • Dec. 16, 2025

Massachusetts commission punts on packaging EPR

A legislative commission, convened by MassDEP, endorsed the idea of a needs assessment for packaging. The group also endorsed EPR for paint, mattresses, batteries and electronics.

By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 11, 2025

Success for composting and EPR programs go hand in hand: report

Closed Loop Partners’ Composting Consortium laid out a composter reimbursement framework that PROs could build on. Incentives correlate to greater acceptance of compostable packaging.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 10, 2025

US and EU can learn from each other’s regulations, packaging groups say

Ameripen Executive Director Lynn Dyer and Europen Secretary General Francesca Stevens described during a webinar some areas of overlap and opportunities for learning among the regions’ EPR approaches.

By Katie Pyzyk • Dec. 5, 2025

Nova Scotia rolls out EPR for packaging program

The province’s new program took effect Dec. 1. Residents can now recycle an expanded list of items, including toothpaste tubes and hot and cold drink cups.

By Megan Quinn • Dec. 4, 2025

Colorado’s diversion rate could get a boost in 2026 from EPR, other new laws

Colorado municipalities took the lead on improving the state’s recycling and organics diversion rates in 2024, according to a state report. Still, more “top-down” solutions stemming from EPR implementation could help.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 26, 2025

NAW escalates Oregon EPR lawsuit, seeking preliminary injunction

The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors is asking a court to suspend enforcement of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act ahead of a next round of producer invoicing.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 26, 2025

Bottle bill talks gain momentum amid America First buzz, EPR

Eager to capture more high-quality material to incorporate into new packaging domestically, leaders from the competing plastic, glass and metal sectors are looking to jointly build on momentum from 2025’s legislative sessions.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 21, 2025

Prioritizing end markets key to taming EPR tension: PPRC speakers

While some aspects of EPR programs, like ecomodulation, won’t be a priority until later, end market identification should be done up front, according to speakers at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference. 

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 21, 2025

EPR anxiety: CPGs and regulators prepare for generational policy shift

Costs, policy divergence and relationships were a big focus at events hosted by GreenBlue and the Northeast Recycling Council. CalRecycle, Oregon DEQ, Circular Action Alliance and others weighed in on what’s next.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 15, 2025

Newsom blocks bill that would further limit PFAS in packaging

While packaging groups opposed the PFAS bill, it was ultimately derailed by pushback from the restaurant industry. The California governor also vetoed a bill to further limit plastic microbeads in certain products.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 16, 2025

California EPR stakeholders keep pushing through regulatory gray area

A turbulent year of rulemaking has discouraged some on the SB 54 advisory board. Circular Action Alliance says companies should engage now to be ready for a quick turnaround.

By Marissa Heffernan • Oct. 7, 2025

8.5M tons of packaging entered California landfills in 2024: CalRecycle study

The study, mandated by SB 54, sheds light on what percentage of single-use packaging and food ware materials might be diverted from landfills after the state’s extended producer responsibility program kicks in.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 6, 2025

Beyond compliance: How Circular Action Alliance supports producers through EPR

As EPR laws for paper and packaging roll out across several U.S. states, producers must navigate a new and evolving regulatory landscape.

Oct. 6, 2025

Top packaging trade shows in 2026

Coming up in Q1: the EPR Think Tank, the East Coast edition of Pack Expo, the Plastics Recycling Conference and more.

By Packaging Dive Staff • Updated Jan. 5, 2026