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Over the past year, a wave of lawsuits against packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations has surged across multiple U.S. states, involving business groups, manufacturers, environmental organizations, and state attorneys general. Currently, none of the cases have been concluded, but experts believe that their rulings will shape the future trajectory of EPR policies in various states. This article focuses on five key lawsuits in Oregon, California, and Colorado, analyzing the points of contention among parties and the latest developments.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) releases its first annual report detailing the implementation of Oregon's packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program—the first of its kind in U.S. history. The report covers data from just six months following the July 1, 2025 launch, with CAA positioning 2025 as a "building year" aimed at completing full system implementation by the end of 2027. Meanwhile, the program faces legal challenges: a lawsuit filed by the National Wholesale Distributors Association is set for trial in Oregon next week, and manufacturer Lollicup USA has also filed a class-action lawsuit against state Department of Environmental Quality Director Leah Feldon. Below are the key figures disclosed by CAA for the first six months.
The first lawsuit trial for U.S. packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs has arrived. The Oregon case is set for trial on July 13, and the outcome could influence the direction of EPR regulations nationwide.
Bath & Body Works introduces the Fruit Fusion collection with silicone soft-touch packaging; Blue Ocean Closures unveils the Paper-Plug paper-based closure solution; Pragmatic launches the NFC Connect tamper-evident chip, which can be integrated into packaging.
Graphic Packaging International released its 2025 sustainability report on June 30, and on the same day, Chief Sustainability Officer Michelle Fitzpatrick announced her departure, ending a tenure of nearly five years. The report shows slight setbacks in some emissions and recyclability targets, while the company remains committed to its long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The 2026 Packaging Recycling Summit took place from June 15-17 in Rosemont, Illinois, gathering brands, recyclers, and other packaging value chain participants to focus on the industry's most urgent recycling challenges and pathways to solutions. This article highlights key points from Packaging Dive's coverage of the fourth annual summit.
Closed Loop Partners' Smalls Consortium announced its entry into the California field testing phase, collaborating with brands such as L'Oréal and Kraft Heinz to explore small-sized packaging recycling. Experts noted that existing equipment can be reconfigured to sort such items, while also helping to reduce glass contamination and transportation costs.
At the Packaging Recycling Summit held on June 16, multiple industry experts noted that film recycling is at a critical turning point. Recent pilot efforts are advancing the sector and are expected to achieve scale-up in the coming years. Meanwhile, California's upcoming extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations impose hard requirements on recycling rates, prompting all parties across the value chain to accelerate action.
On July 1, 2026, multiple U.S. states will simultaneously enact a batch of packaging-related regulations: California prohibits the use of "sell by" labels and unifies quality and safety date terminology; Virginia extends the EPS food container ban to all food vendors; Connecticut imposes labeling obligations on products containing PFAS; Washington state's producer responsibility organization registration deadline arrives.
Health and beauty products company Kenvue stated in its latest 2025 sustainability report that it has exceeded its 2025 virgin plastic reduction target but failed to meet its commitment to make all packaging recyclable or refillable by 2025. The report shows that its packaging recyclability rate declined year over year from 71.4% in 2023 to 67.1% in 2025. The company also highlighted packaging plastic reduction cases for brands such as Listerine, Nicorette, and Zyrtec, as well as initiatives leveraging data tools and AI technology to drive sustainable design.