As state legislatures across the country consider or advance Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging, the EPR Leadership Forum today released a new report, Unpacking Successful Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Policy for Packaging in the U.S. 

The report’s aim is to provide a pragmatic framework — drawing on lessons from states that have implemented EPR — to help lawmakers design programs that balance environmental objectives, cost efficiency, and system integrity.

The EPR Leadership Forum was formed by a group of market-leading consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers that support well-designed EPR policy.

Key Findings and Guidance

• The report identifies three interlocking strategies essential for success: Sequencing, Efficiency, and Harmonization.
• It argues that states should adopt a sequenced approach, ensuring that the adequate resources and stakeholder input are available at each point in the process.
• It highlights opportunities to build efficiencies into program design (e.g., focused program scope, informed target-setting and investments, and stakeholder collaboration).
• It underscores the need for harmonization across states, to prevent fragmentation and reduce regulatory burden on producers operating in multiple jurisdictions.
• Across early adopter states (e.g., Oregon, Colorado, and California), the paper draws lessons about tradeoffs in timelines, stakeholder roles, and governance structures.

“With packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy gaining traction in the United States, the emergence of the EPR Leadership Forum and release of our whitepaper could not be better timed,” said Alchemy Graham, Policy Director for the EPR Leadership Forum. “It is critical that lawmakers and stakeholders be armed with facts and findings sourced from early implementers. We’ve done that research, interviewed NGOs, recyclers, registered producers, and other key stakeholders to determine a scalable framework that can serve as the foundation of a well-designed EPR program.”

Businesses are also voicing support for a more coordinated approach. 

“Businesses and the communities we serve benefit when there is a consistent approach and framework for addressing the challenges facing collection and recycling,” said Stephanie Potter, Director of Environmental Policy at PepsiCo. “We have learned that a well-organized roll out of EPR programs that are consistent and complimentary to current infrastructure can better meet the needs and resource requirements of a state or community.” 

As multiple states prepare to refine or enact EPR laws in the coming legislative sessions, the report offers a shared foundation for policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. ELF encourages early adopters and new entrants to use its framework as a foundation for dialogue, alignment, and effective policy design—offering a common touchpoint for policymakers, industry, and system stakeholders to align on what “good EPR” looks like, rather than leaving each state to reinvent the wheel.

Policymakers and stakeholders seeking briefings, technical guidance or consultations can contact the EPR Leadership Forum directly at contact@epr-leaders.org.