Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

RSS

American Forest & Paper Association says EPR Increases costs without delivering measurable improvements.

Emerald — the largest supplier of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry — becomes the first flexible plastic manufacturer to join the coalition of major CPG brands.

Doug Biela of NOVA Chemicals says the next year is a critical time for well-designed recycling policy to both help drive PCR plastic innovation and build robust end markets for recycled materials.

Partnership combines FoodChain ID’s food industry and regulatory compliance expertise with Unpac’s intelligent EPR software to create a new capability in packaging compliance.

Position paper identifies six policy levers — Funding Model, Funding System Design, Fee-Setting & Eco-modulation, Performance Targets, Responsible End Markets, and Covered Materials — that states can use to build structured, harmonized EPR systems. 

Initiative aims to inform improved packaging design and recycling processes, ultimately contributing to a more circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.

Sarah Marshall of NOVA Chemicals notes positive developments in recycled polyethylene (rPE), highlighting collaborative efforts among recyclers, resin producers, and brand owners.

List of materials accepted has been expanded to include hot and cold beverage cups, pet food bags, frozen juice containers, and other paper packaging. Circular Materials also is partnering with the Eastern Recyclers Association for the collection of flexible plastics such as candy wrappers and chip bags.

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.

We look at three groups approaching packaging sustainability from three different angles: adopting modern packaging equipment, recycling flexible plastic, and harmonizing data collection to meet EPR requirements.