Expert Insights

In our Unpacking EPR series, so far, we’ve explored the fundamentals of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and why it matters for brand owners.

As explained in the first article of our Unpacking EPR series, several states have passed extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation that requires producers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. EPR is a policy approach that shifts the responsibility for managing post-consumer packaging collection, logistics, and recycling from local governments to the producers. Compliance with these laws is essential in order to avoid legal penalties and continue operating in these markets. 

As cities and municipalities across the United States contend with increasing volumes of waste, state lawmakers are enacting extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation. In the past few years, five states have passed EPR laws for packaging waste — Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Minnesota — with more states introducing legislation every year. We expect the trend to continue in 2025 and beyond.