Brand Owner's Guide to Extended Producer Responsibility

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand owners regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as it applies to packaging. The document outlines the operational realities of EPR, emphasizing that seven states in the U.S. have enacted EPR laws, with Oregon and Colorado already in implementation phases. The guide details the concept of eco-modulation, a mechanism that affects the fees associated with packaging based on its recyclability. It clarifies that choices in material and decoration designs directly influence compliance fees, which vary according to how environmentally friendly they are. Additionally, key compliance deadlines and requirements for brand owners in these states are enumerated. The document also explains the implications of EPR in terms of financial responsibility for packaging waste management, marking a significant shift in how businesses must approach packaging design and waste management practices. Overall, it provides actionable information for compliance and the strategic consideration of packaging materials.