Packaging

Major Lawsuit Challenges Oregon’s Groundbreaking Packaging Responsibility Law, Citing Constitutional Concerns

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Portland, Oregon — In a significant legal action, the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Oregon, contesting the constitutionality of its recently implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging. This lawsuit comes on the heels of Oregon’s pioneering move to adopt such a program, aimed at enhancing recycling practices and reducing plastic waste. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, sets forth several claims. NAW contends that the EPR program violates various legal doctrines including nondelegation, the federal dormant commerce clause, … Read more

Maine’s Packaging EPR Law Faces Controversial Amendments: A Battle Between Environmental Advocates and Industry Heavyweights

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Augusta, Maine – Maine, recognized as a pioneer in extending Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, is set to amend its original legislation through the introduction of a new bill, LD 1423. While the state enacted the first EPR law in the United States back in 2021, the proposed changes now face pushback from environmental groups who worry that the revisions could detract from the law’s intended benefits. The Natural Resources Council of Maine, an organization that played a significant role in the original law’s passage, expressed strong dissent during recent legislative hearings. Officials described … Read more

Washington and Maryland Pioneer Extended Producer Responsibility Laws, Catalyzing a New Wave in Sustainable Packaging Legislation

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Washington and Maryland have recently taken significant strides towards fostering a circular economy by implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws aimed at promoting sustainable packaging. These new regulations shift the onus of recycling costs from local governments to the companies that manufacture packaging, thus aligning financial incentives with environmental accountability. On May 17, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284, which represents a comprehensive approach to EPR for packaging and paper products. Meanwhile, in Maryland, Senate Bill 901 was enacted on May 13. These legislative changes represent a substantial shift in how recycling is … Read more

Washington Takes Bold Step in Recycling Revolution with New EPR Law for Packaging

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Olympia, Wash. — Washington has become the seventh state in the nation to implement a packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, marking a significant change in recycling policies. Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284 into law on Saturday, which he described as the “biggest overhaul of our recycling system in decades.” The new legislation is set to enhance recycling efforts across the state in alignment with similar programs established in California and Oregon. The recently passed Recycling Reform Act introduces an EPR framework for various types of paper and packaging materials, establishing a statewide … Read more