Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & Updates: What Businesses Need to Know

As we approach 2026, extended producer responsibility is becoming a key issue for businesses that rely on packaging, whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, consumer goods, or manufacturing. With new regulations rolling out across the U.S. and increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals, it’s essential for companies to understand how extended producer responsibility affects their operations, costs, and compliance strategies. 

Why Extended Producer Responsibility Matters for Businesses

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy model that shifts the responsibility for packaging waste from governments to the companies whose products generate that waste. Under EPR laws, businesses are required to cover the costs of collecting, processing, and recycling packaging materials once they reach the end consumer.

While this was once seen as a packaging industry issue, EPR now directly impacts any business that puts packaged goods into the hands of consumers, including brand owners, importers, and retailers. That means your business may be responsible for registering with compliance organizations, tracking packaging usage, paying sustainability fees, and rethinking packaging design.

Who’s Responsible Under Extended Producer Responsibility?

If your company sells packaged goods, whether on shelves or online, you’re likely considered a “producer” under most EPR laws. Even if you don’t manufacture packaging, your brand name on a box or bag makes you accountable.

Key requirements for businesses under extended producer responsibility programs may include:

• Registering with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)
  
• Reporting data on packaging materials used and volumes sold
  
• Paying Eco-Modulated Fees based on packaging recyclability, material types, and environmental impact
  
• Redesigning Packaging to meet recyclability and sustainability criteria
  

The specifics vary by state, but the expectation is clear: businesses must take greater ownership of the packaging they introduce into the market.

Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation: Key State-Level Updates

Although there is no federal extended producer responsibility law in the U.S., several states have already enacted comprehensive EPR legislation that affects businesses:

• California (SB 54): Requires producers to fund recycling and composting infrastructure, with major deadlines coming into effect in 2025 and 2026.
  
• Oregon: Mandates registration with a PRO and fee payments starting in 2025, with additional requirements around packaging design and recyclability.
  
• Colorado and Maine: Both have EPR programs in place, requiring businesses to submit detailed reports and pay fees based on their packaging’s environmental impact.
  

These state-by-state rules create a complex compliance landscape for companies selling nationally. Understanding how extended producer responsibility laws differ by region and preparing accordingly is essential.

Risk Mitigation and Business Benefits of EPR Readiness

Treating extended producer responsibility as a proactive part of your sustainability and risk management strategy can deliver both compliance and competitive advantages.

Benefits include:

• Improved ESG Alignment by reducing packaging waste and supporting circular economy goals
  
• Predictable Compliance Costs through smart packaging design and material choices
  
• Enhanced Brand Trust through environmental leadership
  
• Market Access in states or countries where EPR compliance is a requirement
  

Being EPR-ready helps businesses minimize regulatory risk, avoid penalties, and strengthen consumer perception in an increasingly sustainability-conscious marketplace.

How to Prepare for Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations

Businesses that use packaging should take the following steps to prepare for current and future extended producer responsibility regulations:

1. Understand Your Obligations: Determine whether your business qualifies as a “producer” under EPR laws in states where you operate.
   
2. Register With a PRO: Engage with approved Producer Responsibility Organizations to manage compliance tasks and reporting.
   
3. Audit Your Packaging: Review materials used and identify areas for improving recyclability and reducing environmental impact.
   
4. Track Packaging Data: Implement systems to monitor and report packaging usage accurately across product lines and regions.
5. Stay Informed: Follow legislative developments at the state and national levels to avoid surprises and plan for future changes.

The Bottom Line: EPR Is a Business Issue, Not Just a Packaging Issue

Extended producer responsibility is no longer limited to packaging manufacturers. For businesses that rely on packaging to deliver products, build brand equity, and meet customer expectations, EPR is now a critical compliance and sustainability priority.

By staying informed and preparing early, companies can navigate this shift with confidence, ensuring packaging remains both compliant and competitive in a changing regulatory environment.

Pioneer Packaging: Your Custom Packaging Solution Company

For over 38 years, Pioneer Packaging has been your company’s go-to for designing product packaging that sells and performs. 

So whether you’re looking to get your paper product packaging at affordable prices or attract new consumers, we’ll find the best packaging solutions that fit your needs. We strive to keep costs down as much as possible to help our customers keep their brands moving along production lines. 

Contact Pioneer Packaging today and learn why we’re a leader in B2B packaging solutions.