Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation continues to gain momentum as states deliberate on policies designed to enhance collection, increase recycling rates, and establish end markets for targeted packaging materials. To date, seven states including Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington have passed legislation, but the covered materials, policies, and timelines established within each state differ. Ultimately, sustainable package design is favored, incentivized by lower fees targeting source reduction, design for recycling, and inclusion of recycled content among the most favored options. Education and awareness about these programs and similar topics are coming in the form of new collaboratives. Enhancements to design guidelines and test regimens to clarify what complies with the new mandates continue as recyclers provide feedback over new material streams.

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