U.S. States Take Aim at Pollution Through Packaging Laws

Jeffrey Hunter and Kaela Shiigi's update as part of the Summer Sustainability Series was republished by Westlaw Today. 

The article outlines the current extended producer responsibility packaging laws in the United States, highlights proposed litigation, and identifies key compliance responsibilities for which products manufacturers should prepare.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws impose liability on producers for the lifecycle of their products. EPR laws are found worldwide, particularly in Europe and Canada, but are becoming more prevalent at the state level in the United States. Many U.S. states already impose requirements on producers of e-waste and batteries, but the latest spate of EPR laws has focused on packaging materials, paper and plastic products, and food service ware.