Rooted in the circular economy concept and the “polluter pays” principle, extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws have a long tradition in Europe for many product categories, including packaging. In the United States, EPR is much newer and is viewed as a funding mechanism to support recycling programs by shifting the responsibility to pay for these programs from municipal, public sources to private, product producer sources. Twenty states have adopted EPR legislation that applies to certain types of electronic waste, but until recently, no states extended these regulations to areas like plastics and packaging. In 2021, Maine became the first state in the United States to enact EPR legislation for packaging. Three more states have since passed EPR legislation for packaging and, judging by the numerous proposals pending in state legislatures, likely more states will follow. Businesses will need to monitor these initiatives carefully and understand the supply chain, cost, and business reputation implications of state legislative consideration and potential enactment of such legislative measures.  

This webinar will explore the history and evolution of EPR legislation, expected developments that will affect the chemical and chemical product industry, and what companies need to know to prepare for these changes.  

Topics Covered: 

• The financial burden of waste management;

• Social drivers for waste management responsibility;

• EPR in the European Union (EU) and the United States; and

• Packaging EPR in the United States -- enacted state legislation in

  • Maine;

  • Oregon;

  • Colorado; and

  • California.