5 packaging trends to watch in 2024

Shifting consumer habits and manufacturing footprints, evolving end-of-life design and looming sustainability targets are some of the factors poised to impact the packaging industry this year.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal • Jan. 8, 2024

CalRecycle releases initial findings for recyclability labeling, EPR law implementation

In addition to sharing the SB 343 preliminary findings report, the agency also published draft rules and a covered materials category list pertinent to SB 54.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 3, 2024

Packaging laws taking effect in 2024

Here’s what to know about state laws coming into force this year that expand bottle bills, restrict carryout bags and containers, ban PFAS and require recycled content in packaging.

By Maria Rachal • Jan. 2, 2024

2023 packaging trends by the numbers

These are some of the stats that defined policymaking, e-commerce, sustainability, dealmaking and more for the packaging industry across varied substrates and markets.

By Katie Pyzyk , Maria Rachal , Cole Rosengren • Dec. 22, 2023

European Council agrees to general approach on PPWR for negotiations

With changes introduced that include a potentially lower threshold for separate collection in deposit return systems, the Council’s position largely drew criticism from industry groups. Further negotiation is expected in the new year.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 19, 2023

How the EPA’s new PFAS reporting rule impacts manufacturers

The final rule requires companies that have had PFAS in their supply chains at any time since Jan. 1, 2011, to submit information that helps the agency research, monitor and regulate the toxic substances.

By Sara Samora • Dec. 18, 2023

PVC’s future in question as EPA moves toward vinyl chloride risk review

PVC is a widespread component in some flexible packaging. Vinyl chloride was in the spotlight this year after release resulting from the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 15, 2023

Lawmakers seek a national foam ban in 2026

Bill sponsors and advocates say it’s time for a nationwide approach after 11 states and many more local governments have enacted bans or restrictions on the sale of polystyrene foam products.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 12, 2023

Oregon finalizes statewide recycling list as part of EPR law implementation

In addition to standardizing what can be collected — PET thermoforms did not make the initial cut — the rules also define “responsible” end markets and require PROs to manage materials according to environmental and labor rules.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 30, 2023

EPR for packaging policies must make space for climate change measures, working group says

A white paper from the West Coast Climate and Materials Management Forum offers suggestions for policymakers to “go beyond recycling” to consider how to make extended producer responsibility policies more climate friendly.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 27, 2023

European Parliament advances rules to reduce packaging by 2030 and beyond

Following months of lobbying by manufacturers, brands and trade groups, members supported reductions in packaging waste, recyclability requirements, bans on PFAS and BPA in food-contact packaging and other provisions.

By Maria Rachal • Updated Nov. 28, 2023

Competing LCAs offer differing views on the realities of reusable takeout systems

Life-cycle assessments indicate reusable takeout boxes and clamshells can have lower climate impacts, depending on how consumers use them. Reloop, McDonald’s and others are debating the issue ahead of a key vote in the EU.

By Leslie Nemo • Nov. 20, 2023

New York AG’s ‘first of its kind’ lawsuit against PepsiCo seeks plastic pollution accountability

Letitia James sued PepsiCo for allegedly “harming the public and the environment with its single-use plastic packaging.” The complaint slams PepsiCo’s “misleading” plastic reduction efforts and recycling claims.

By Maria Rachal • Nov. 16, 2023

Reloop report offers 10 ideas for passing more bottle bill laws in U.S.

The report aims to “create a bridge between theory and action” to get more state bills past the standstill that often occurs due to competing interests among producers, recyclers and government entities.

By Megan Quinn • Nov. 14, 2023

3 trends to watch in EPR implementation

Eco-modulation, harmonizing definitions and expanding recycling infrastructure are key themes that speakers from state agencies in California, Colorado and Maine discussed during the Northeast Recycling Council’s fall conference.

By Cole Rosengren • Nov. 9, 2023

EPA considers reevaluating vinyl chloride, as PVC remains common in certain packaging

Spurred in part by the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, environmental groups are urging the agency to review the chemical’s safety. In the meantime, experts have varying thoughts on how easy it would be to find alternatives.

By April Reese • Oct. 30, 2023

Amped-up ‘Break Free From Plastic’ legislation reintroduced in Congress

The Democrat-sponsored bill includes implications for packaging, such as federally established EPR and deposit return systems, bans on black plastic and polystyrene foam food service ware, support for reuse/refill and more.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 26, 2023

How2Recycle piloting shared label with Recycling Partnership as part of industry collaboration initiative

The upcoming pilot is seen as one way to keep up with the complex landscape of recyclability policy. The move is part of a broader focus on cross-industry partnerships by GreenBlue, the nonprofit behind these initiatives.

By Cole Rosengren • Oct. 20, 2023

Evergreen Packaging reaches nearly $2.3M settlement with EPA over Clean Air Act violations

The company, now part of Pactiv Evergreen, will pay a civil penalty, make facility modifications and undertake a $2.1 million supplemental environmental project for violations at an Arkansas kraft pulp and paper mill.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 19, 2023

CalRecycle seeks PRO applicants for California packaging EPR law

The organization will play a key role as the state seeks to make all packaging recyclable or compostable, cut single-use plastic packaging by 25% and recycle 65% of it by 2032. Applications are due in January.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 13, 2023

Maine offers last chance to comment on draft EPR plans ahead of formal rulemaking

Maine DEP has published most of the draft documents for its packaging EPR law, which include more details on a ‘readily recyclable’ definition, phased goals for recycled content and producer reporting requirements.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 12, 2023

What’s next for flexible pouch design, reuse and EPR? Packaging professionals weigh in.

SPC Advance featured perspectives from ProAmpac, Printpack, Dow, Dispatch Goods, Orora Packaging Solutions, Lorax EPI, Specright and more.

By Cole Rosengren • Updated Oct. 20, 2023

California Gov. Newsom vetoes updates to SB 54 EPR law

Newsom also vetoed a bill seeking to crack down on potentially kid-friendly cannabis product packaging, among other bills. He has yet to take action on a bottle bill update.

By Megan Quinn , Maria Rachal • Oct. 10, 2023

US Composting Council, BPI release product labeling legislative guidelines

The groups collaborated with representatives from Pactiv Evergreen, PepsiCo, Chick-fil-A and more on principles related to product color, testing and labeling claims. They also intend to release a model compostable labeling bill this fall.

By Maria Rachal • Oct. 5, 2023

GreenDot expands to North America with EPR and plastic recycling plans

The group aims to build on its well-known presence in Europe by offering consulting services and potentially launching plastic recycling facilities in the U.S.

By Megan Quinn • Oct. 5, 2023