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

Packaging and recycling groups weigh in on Oregon EPR law details

Ameripen, the Foodservice Packaging Institute, AF&PA and others commented on topics such as expanding the statewide collection list to include more product categories and clarifying a goal for “responsible end markets.”

By Megan Quinn • Aug. 24, 2023

American Beverage names veteran insider as new CEO

Kevin Keane has served in the role on an interim basis for the trade group, which represents Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and other beverage companies.

By Christopher Doering • Aug. 23, 2023

Can makers await possible fallout from Commerce tin imports tariff decision

The Can Manufacturers Institute warns that proposed tariffs could cause canned food prices to spike up to 30% while putting 40,000 jobs at risk. The Department of Commerce released its preliminary decision this week.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 18, 2023

CPGs, brands respond to EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

PepsiCo, American Beverage, the Consumer Brands Association and others weighed in on defining key terms like “single-use,” EPR policies, recycled content research and more.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 11, 2023

Packaging groups weigh in on EPA’s draft plastic pollution prevention strategy

Ameripen, the Flexible Packaging Association, NAPCOR and the Reusable Packaging Association were among thousands who submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2023

Reusable food containers rolled out at convention center

Bold Reuse’s work with the Oregon Convention Center comes as reuse systems have been recently discussed at a U.S. Senate committee hearing and adopted by major event venues and vendors such as Coca-Cola.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 7, 2023

Phthalates in food packaging: FDA declines to reconsider petition to ban

Health and environmental advocates are evaluating next steps as the agency continues to allow numerous plastic-softening chemicals that some companies are voluntarily phasing out.

By Maria Rachal • July 25, 2023

Bio-based plastics, reuse systems highlighted in House Appropriations Committee budget proposal

The committee seeks to cut the U.S. EPA's budget but says it supports work around recycling definitions and product labeling, and exploring U.S.-grown plastic alternatives such as hemp.

By Megan Quinn • July 24, 2023

Bottle bill report aims to debunk claims that program costs hurt beverage sales

The report, led by the Container Recycling Institute and Reloop, says there’s no evidence container deposit system costs impact sales. Cost concerns were among the reasons Vermont’s governor vetoed a recent bottle bill update.

By Megan Quinn • July 20, 2023

Michigan proposal seeks to reclaim more containers under 10-cent bottle bill

Lawmakers are again seeking an update after years of failed proposals. The latest version would add multiple common categories of beverage containers not currently included in the law.

By Megan Quinn • July 13, 2023

Cannabis packaging targeted by FTC, FDA over child safety concerns

Multiple companies with products said to resemble popular snacks and candy were sent cease-and-desist letters. More states are considering their own regulations addressing packaging design for cannabis products.

By Maria Rachal • July 6, 2023

Demand for recycled plastic in packaging is growing. So are concerns about potential health risks.

Recent studies have raised questions about health effects from plastic, including recycled material, as companies and regulators increasingly look at ways to advance the use of recycled resin in food-grade packaging.

By April Reese • June 26, 2023

Emissions data request could be precursor to carbon border tax on steel, aluminum

While tariffs tend to drive up costs for metal-related businesses such as can producers, carbon tax research suggests recycled-content products would fare better in this scenario.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 23, 2023

Rhode Island legislature supports restricting foam containers, mini alcohol bottles

The House and Senate passed bills as the legislative session wrapped up, with potential implications for certain plastic containers.

By Maria Rachal • June 20, 2023

Graphic Packaging, government officials hit with lawsuit over toxic Michigan mill emissions

The class-action lawsuit alleges that decades of systemic racism harmed about 8,000 residents in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company has been working with state officials to mitigate its hydrogen sulfide emissions.

By Katie Pyzyk • June 13, 2023

Connecticut bill requiring recycled content in plastic bottles awaits governor’s signature

The legislation applies to containers in the state’s bottle bill program. It would also direct the state’s environmental agency to eventually recommend potential requirements for other packaging categories.

By Maria Rachal • June 13, 2023

Momentum may be slowing for new packaging EPR laws in 2023, but states still pursue study bills

Four states enacted extended producer responsibility for packaging laws in the past two years, though 2023 may not see similar activity. Follow the latest outcomes from Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland and New York.

By Cole Rosengren • June 12, 2023

More frequent Green Guides updates urged by Senate Democrats

Sens. Tom Carper, Jeff Merkley, Ron Wyden and Sheldon Whitehouse, who have been vocal on waste issues, also called on the Federal Trade Commission to reconsider definitions for recycled content and recyclability.

By Maria Rachal • June 12, 2023

Packaging and recycling stakeholders look ahead to next steps in UN plastic pollution agreement process

Measures with implications for packaging, such as capping new plastic production or extended producer responsibility, could be under consideration for a draft agreement expected toward the end of the year.

By Maria Rachal , Megan Quinn • June 8, 2023