From ISSA: Packaging EPR Laws Expand To Maryland And Washington

A significant shift in how packaging waste is managed is underway in the United States, according to ISSA, with Maryland and Washington recently becoming the sixth and seventh states, respectively, to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging materials.

These legislative moves signal a growing trend toward making “producers” (including manufacturers and distributors of cleaning products) financially and operationally responsible for the end-of-life management of their products.

This development has important implications for ISSA members involved in the production, distribution, or use of cleaning products. ISSA is updating its current EPR guidance document to help members navigate these changing requirements and ensure compliance with emerging EPR frameworks.

These EPR laws reflect a national trend toward sustainable packaging management with three primary goals:

1. Incentivizing Sustainable Design: Producers bear end-of-life costs, encouraging recyclable and reusable packaging;
2. Improving Recycling Rates: Financial responsibility shifts create more efficient recycling systems; and,
3. Standardizing Recycling: Uniform standards reduce consumer confusion and contamination.

For cleaning product manufacturers and distributors, these laws require careful examination of packaging choices, supply chain impacts, and new compliance responsibilities. Companies qualifying as “producers” under state definitions must understand specific requirements in each jurisdiction.

The expansion of EPR legislation signals a fundamental transformation in packaging waste management, with producers assuming greater financial and operational responsibility for their products’ lifecycle. As more states consider similar legislation, businesses must stay informed about evolving regulations and adapt their packaging strategies accordingly.