Responsible Packaging: Less Material, More Recyclability
Packaging is a crucial part in a product’s lifecycle. And with rising EPR policies such as CA’s SB 54, it’s more important than ever that businesses take a proactive approach to their packaging.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), is an environmental policy approach that holds businesses responsible for end-of-life management of their products or packaging. Product stewardship supports recycling and materials management goals that contribute to a circular economy and can also encourage product design changes that minimize environmental impacts.
What states have EPR policies?
As of October 2026, the following states have implemented or are in the process of implementing EPR policies. Businesses that are found to be out of compliance with state regulations may be subject to additional fees.
Current Policy Status
OR: Currently collecting fees (2025)
CO: Currently collecting fees (2026)
CA: Law passed, fee collection begins on Jan 1, 2027
MN: Law passed, fee collection begins in 2029
WA: Law passed, fee collection begins in 2030
MD: Law passed, timeline delayed
ME: Law passed, timeline delayed
How are EPR fees calculated?
EPR fees vary across states, however, the following factors are often taken into consideration.
Weight
The first factor taken into consideration is the weight of the packaging your business contributed into the state in the previous year.
Material
Fees can vary depending on material. Flexible plastics carry the highest per-ton fees, while paper, glass, aluminum, and PCR-rich plastics sit in lower tiers.
Recyclability
Most state programs apply eco-modulation: a bonus for packaging that is recyclable, compostable, contains post-consumer recycled content, or uses a single material rather than a mixed laminate.
How can I reduce the environmental impact of my packaging?
You may have heard of reduce, reuse, recycle, but what does that look like in action? When it comes to packaging, here are a few methods:
Reduce
While it’s impossible to eliminate packaging completely, you can reduce the amount used. For example, using films with a lower thickness/weight.
Reuse
If eliminating plastic isn’t an option, you can make the switch to Post-Consumer-Recycled (PCR) materials. These materials, such as rPET and rLLDPE use a percentage of recycled content in their composition, reducing the amount of waste that goes to the landfill.
Recycle
Another great option to reduce environmental impact is to use materials that are easier to recycle. Products that are made of a single material only, such as Mono-PE or Mono-PP packaging, are simpler to process and can improve recyclability in comparison to mixed-material laminates.
What options are available for my business?
At Formosa Packaging, we offer custom flexible pouches that can be made in any of the sustainable materials below.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Material
All of our pouches can be made with post-consumer recycled material in place of virgin plastic. We currently offer the following PCR films:
rPET
rLLDPE
Mono Material
With our innovative technology, we are able to utilize a single material across both the printing/barrier and sealing layers. We currently offer the following Mono films:
Mono PP
Mono PE
How to get started?
EPR laws and policies are complex and ever changing. At Formosa Packaging, we’ll be your partner in navigating compliance, while ensuring your packaging maintains high integrity and performance.
