Across the United States, packaging regulations are undergoing the most significant transformation in decades. Driven by rising waste volumes, strained recycling systems, and increasing consumer pressure, new laws are shifting responsibility for packaging waste from municipalities to the companies that place packaging on the market.
At the center of this shift is California’s SB 54, one of the most influential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging laws in the country. But California isn’t alone. States including Oregon, Colorado, and Maine have enacted similar frameworks, with many others actively considering legislation.
These laws will directly impact material selection, recyclability requirements, labeling rules, reporting obligations, and long-term packaging strategy for manufacturers and distributors nationwide.
As a leading packaging supplier, Global-Pak is preparing for these changes now, helping customers remain compliant while transitioning to more sustainable, cost-effective packaging solutions.
What Is SB 54? A Quick Overview
California’s SB 54 — the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act — became law in 2022 and sets aggressive targets to reduce plastic waste while overhauling how packaging is managed at end of life.
Key Requirements of SB 54
- 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging by 2032
- 100% recyclable or compostable packaging by 2032
- Mandatory participation in a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
- Environmental mitigation fees to fund recycling infrastructure
- Detailed data reporting on materials, weights, and recycling rates
- Recyclability labeling restrictions
- Gradual phase-out of non-recyclable formats, including certain multilayer materials
Because California represents one of the world’s largest consumer markets, SB 54 is already influencing packaging decisions well beyond state borders.
Other States Are Following: The National EPR Landscape
SB 54 is part of a rapidly expanding national trend toward regulated packaging sustainability.
States With Active Packaging EPR Laws
- California (SB 54) – Plastic Pollution Prevention & Packaging Producer Responsibility Act
- Colorado – Statewide Recycling Producer Responsibility Program
- Maine – First U.S. state to adopt packaging EPR
- Maryland – Packaging & Paper Products Producer Responsibility Plans Act
- Minnesota – Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act
- Oregon – Plastic Pollution & Recycling Modernization Act
- Washington (SB 5284) – Packaging EPR law
States Actively Considering EPR Legislation
New York, Illinois, and New Jersey
Common Requirements Across EPR Laws
- Producer registration and annual reporting
- Minimum recyclability standards
- Financial contributions to recycling systems
- Recycled content requirements for certain materials
- Restrictions on misleading or non-recyclable packaging
Together, these laws signal a clear future: packaging sustainability is no longer voluntary — it’s regulated.
How These Laws Will Shape the Future of Packaging
1. Materials Will Become More Uniform and Recyclable
Packaging is shifting away from:
- Multilayer flexible films
- Difficult-to-recycle resins
- Mixed or hard-to-separate materials
And toward:
- Mono-material plastics
- Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
- Paper-based solutions where performance allows
2. Packaging Design Will Require Proof of Recyclability
Packaging that cannot be effectively recycled may result in:
- Higher PRO fees
- Market restrictions
- Financial penalties
Design decisions will increasingly be driven by verified recyclability data.
3. Data Collection Will Become Mandatory
Producers must track and report:
- Packaging weights
- Resin and material types
- Recycled content percentages
- Sales volumes by state
Companies without strong internal data systems will face mounting compliance challenges.
4. Costs Will Shift Upstream
EPR fees will be assessed annually based on:
- Material type
- Recyclability performance
- Environmental impact
Non-recyclable packaging formats will carry the highest costs.
5. Suppliers Will Play a Larger Role in Compliance
Manufacturers will increasingly rely on packaging suppliers like Global-Pak for:
- Verified material specifications
- Recyclability documentation
- Packaging redesign guidance
- Compliance-ready packaging options
How Global-Pak Will Monitor and Report on Packaging Laws
To help customers stay ahead of evolving regulations, Global-Pak is launching a structured regulatory monitoring and reporting program.
Quarterly Packaging Regulation Updates
Each quarter, Global-Pak will provide clear, actionable updates covering:
- SB 54 rulemaking changes and fee schedules
- Updates from other EPR states
- New recycled content mandates
- Key compliance deadlines
- Emerging packaging trends aligned with regulations
- Recommended action steps for customers
Updates will be shared via quarterly blog updates on our website with a brief update being included in our quarterly market update emails.
What We Track Internally
- Official state agency announcements (CalRecycle and others)
- Changes to recyclability classifications
- PRO updates and fee modeling
- Industry guidance from trade associations
How Customers Benefit
- Early regulatory awareness
- Reduced compliance risk
- Confidence in long-term packaging decisions
- Access to compliant materials before deadlines
What Companies Should Do Now
1. Review Your Current Packaging Portfolio
Identify packaging that may not meet:
- Recyclability standards
- Reduction requirements
- Recycled content targets
2. Begin Transitioning to Compliant Materials
Global-Pak can help evaluate:
- Mono-material alternatives
- Higher-PCR content solutions
- Recyclable bulk packaging and FIBCs
3. Organize Your Packaging Data
Begin collecting:
- Material types and weights
- Recycled content percentages
- Sales volumes by state
This information will be critical for PRO registration and reporting.
4. Stay Engaged With Global-Pak Updates
Our quarterly blog updates will translate complex regulations into clear, actionable insights. To receive any email updates on this, please fill out our contact us form or email info@global-pak.com with SB54 in the subject line.
In Summary...
SB 54 and emerging state packaging laws mark a fundamental shift in how packaging is designed, labeled, and managed. While the regulatory landscape is increasingly complex, Global-Pak is committed to helping customers navigate these changes with confidence.
Through quarterly regulatory updates, material expertise, and proactive packaging recommendations, we help you stay ahead of evolving laws — not scrambling to react to them.