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

National bottle bill complexities take center stage at Senate hearing

The Container Recycling Institute, the Association of Plastic Recyclers and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative offered perspectives on how a national bottle bill could coexist or clash with existing state programs.

By Megan Quinn • Sept. 29, 2023

Packaging experts talk gaps in state, federal policy

Speakers from Ameripen, the Flexible Packaging Association, General Mills and the Plastics Industry Association weighed in on the policy landscape with emerging material bans, extended producer responsibility laws and more.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2023

Stories from Pack Expo 2023

Catch up on all of Packaging Dive’s coverage from Las Vegas, including shifting trends and industry leaders’ insights on what’s next.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 26, 2023

US lawmakers again propose tax on virgin plastic in packaging

The REDUCE Act seeks to levy fees on virgin plastics used to make single-use products including plastic packaging, along with beverage containers and food service products.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 25, 2023

Massachusetts Gov. Healey limits single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies

In light of the executive order, environmental advocates also called for advancing state bills around EPR, plastic bags and other-single use items.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 22, 2023

California legislature approves plastics alternatives working group, updates to EPR and bottle bill

State lawmakers also greenlit restrictions to cannabis packaging considered attractive to children. Meanwhile, a bill to establish more uniform date labeling on food and beverage packaging was delayed.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 15, 2023

RFID on packaging gains traction amid food safety and waste concerns

A tracking system traditionally used for nonperishable items could become more common on certain types of packaging ahead of future traceability requirements from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

By Leslie Nemo • Sept. 12, 2023

Smurfit Kappa and WestRock deal not expected to face major barriers, analysts say

The geographical diversity in the two companies’ assets could reduce competition concerns in what could become the largest containerboard company in the world.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 11, 2023

Draft for UN plastics agreement lays out EPR, recycled content, reuse possibilities

Observers noted a range of ambition in the possibilities put forth for how nations could approach extended producer responsibility, reduce problematic plastics and more. Stakeholders had mixed responses.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 8, 2023

Taming the wild west of environmental marketing: A Green Guides history

More than 30 years after state attorneys general pushed for scrutiny of marketing claims, the packaging landscape is as complicated as ever. Did the guides serve their original purpose?

By Mary Catherine O'Connor • Sept. 6, 2023

Ameripen, ACC talk intersection of chemical recycling, EPR

Chemical recyclers should participate in the legislative process as more EPR for packaging legislation comes down the pike, speakers at the Advanced Recycling Summit said.

By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 5, 2023

Container redemption rate stayed flat in 2022 in most states with bottle bills

The Container Recycling Institute says stagnant rates could be improved by updating programs.

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 31, 2023

Packaging companies and CPGs prepare for EU’s tethered bottle cap regulation

Berry Global, Sidel and others worked with companies to redesign beverage containers ahead of a new mandate taking effect in July.

By Hollie Stephens • Updated July 3, 2024

PFAS packaging alternatives are on the rise as regulatory pressure mounts

Multiple new replacements that can repel grease and moisture are emerging, but details on what they are made of, or which are gaining favor, are limited.

By April Reese • Aug. 24, 2023