EPR across the pond - navigating the US packaging landscape
When the United States moves, the world pays attention. As one of the largest consumer markets and a global regulatory influencer, developments in US environmental policy often ripple far beyond its borders.
With more states rolling out Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging, it feels like the start of something bigger, a rising movement, not unlike the kind Springsteen sang about in Land of Hope and Dreams. This isn’t just about compliance, it’s about building a system that brings producers, regulators, and communities together in pursuit of something better.
What’s happening in the US?
Unlike the EU or UK, the US doesn’t have a federal EPR law for packaging. Instead, individual states are taking the lead. As of October 2025, seven states have passed comprehensive packaging EPR legislation: Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington.
Each state has its own approach, timelines, and fee structures. For producers, this means navigating a patchwork of compliance obligations that vary by geography, material type, and recyclability.
Are you obligated?
If you sell packaged goods in the US, you may be in scope. Obligations include:
- Registering with a PRO or submitting an individual compliance plan
- Reporting packaging types, weights, and recyclability
- Paying eco-modulated fees based on recyclability and volume
And yes, online platforms and drop-shipping models are included. If you place packaging on the US market, you’re likely in scope.
Following a recent visit to the US, Robbie Staniforth, Ecosurety Innovation and Policy Director shared:
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by Carlos De Souza
International Services Lead
24 October, 2025
