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:  

What's next? 

At least eight more states have introduced EPR bills this year, including New York, Illinois, and Hawaii. While a federal law isn’t on the horizon yet, the momentum is building. 

For international producers, this means more registrations, more reporting and more complexity. But also, more opportunity to design packaging that’s not just compliant, but circular. 

How Ecosurety can help you

At Ecosurety, our international compliance management (ICM) team is here to help producers navigate the complexity of global EPR systems. Whether you're expanding into the US or already operating across multiple states, we can: 

• Assess your obligations across jurisdictions 
• Manage registrations and reporting on your behalf 
• Optimise your packaging data to reduce costs and improve recyclability scores 
• Provide strategic insights to help future-proof your compliance 

We stay on top of regulatory changes so you don’t have to, and we’re here to make sure your operations remain compliant, efficient, and aligned with your sustainability goals.

Staying ahead of the curve

The US EPR landscape may be fragmented, but it’s moving fast. Staying ahead means understanding each state’s rules, timelines, and fee structures, and preparing your data and packaging design accordingly. 

In a world that often feels divided, environmental challenges like packaging waste remind us that real progress requires unity. EPR is not just a regulatory tool, it’s a shared commitment to a more sustainable future. And in this fight, we certainly want the US in our corner. 

If you need more help to understand how your business could be impacted by EPR laws in the US, simply contact our team.