By Pioneer Packaging

What EPR Means for Packaging–And How To Stay Ahead

At Pioneer Packaging, we believe packaging isn’t just a product—it’s a strategy. And one of the most critical shifts in the packaging landscape is the rise of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws across the U.S.

If you’re not yet thinking about EPR, now is the time to start.

What Is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy that requires companies to pay fees or surcharges based on the type of packaging materials they use and how those materials impact the environment after use.

EPR shifts responsibility for packaging waste from governments and consumers to the producers themselves. That means companies are increasingly being held accountable—not just for how their packaging is created, but also for how it’s managed at end-of-life.

Under EPR, producers may be required to cover the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling packaging waste, and in some cases, to manage these processes directly. The goal? Encourage smarter design, reduce landfill waste, and improve the circularity of packaging materials.

Where Is EPR Happening?

Five U.S. states have passed packaging EPR laws:

•  Maine and Oregon (2021)
•  Colorado and California (2022)
•  Minnesota (2024)

Each of these states has developed—or is currently developing—its own EPR framework, including how producer fees will be calculated. These fees are often based on the type of packaging material used, its recyclability, and the environmental impact of its disposal.

Here is an example from Oregon’s draft fee schedule:

 

Paper/Fiber Packaging

•  Corrugated and Paper Void Fill: $0.03/lb
•  Molded Pulp: $0.03/lb
•  Paper Tubes: $0.03/lb
•  Folding Cartons: $0.03/lb

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Rigid Plastics

•  PET #1 Bottles: $0.17 – $0.23/lb
•  HDPE #2 Bottles: $0.17 – $0.23/lb
•  PVC: $0.82 – $1.09/lb
•  PP #5 Bottles: $0.44 – $0.58/lb

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Flexible Plastics

•  Air Pillows: $0.54 – $0.72/lb
•  Bubblewrap: $0.54 – $0.72/lb
•  Stretch Film: $0.54 – $0.72/lb
•  Poly Mailers: $0.54 – $0.72/lb

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Foams, Laminates, & Bioplastics

•  PS #6 EPS Containers: $1.94 – $2.58/lb
•  PS #6 EPS Cushioning: $1.08 – $1.44/lb
•  Multi-Layer Flexibles: $1.07 – $1.43/lb
•  PLA Cups: $1.07 – $1.43/lb

These proposed fees are designed to motivate better design choices and penalize waste-intensive materials.

How EPR Could Impact Your Packaging Costs

Even if your business doesn’t operate in one of the EPR states today, this trend is expanding—and fast. Federal and additional state-level legislation is likely to follow, and companies who plan ahead will reduce burdensome documentation requirements and keep costs down the line.

EPR isn’t just a regulatory hurdle—it’s also a chance to:

•  Improve supply chain efficiency
•  Enhance brand perception through sustainability
•  Identify long-term cost savings
•  Stay ahead of shifting compliance requirements

How Pioneer Helps You Navigate EPR Compliance

EPR can be complex. But with Pioneer as your partner, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

We take a consultative, strategic approach to help your business prepare, whether you need guidance on materials, design, compliance, or supply chain flexibility.

1. Smarter Material Selection

We help you evaluate the EPR-related impact of your current packaging materials and identify cost-effective alternatives. From recyclable or biodegradable substrates to materials with bio-based or post-consumer content, we’ll guide you toward lower-fee, more sustainable options.

2. Packaging Design for the Shelf and Beyond

Our packaging specialists work with you to optimize your packaging for its life on and off the shelf. That could mean lightweighting, simplifying multi-material structures, or redesigning formats to align with recovery systems—all while maintaining performance.

3. Labeling Advisory & Best Practices

Pioneer has helped numerous companies implement How2Recycle labeling, bringing clarity to consumers and aligning packaging with recycling guidelines. We use that experience to guide you on labeling best practices and ensure your packaging meets evolving sustainability and EPR compliance standards.

4. Sustainable Sourcing & Supplier Vetting

Pioneer maintains a trusted network of packaging manufacturers with proven environmental and regulatory track records. We can help you source responsibly, assess supplier sustainability, and select partners that align with your sustainability goals.

5. Inventory Planning for Regulatory Shifts

From forecasting demand for compliant materials to vendor-managed inventory, we help you stay ready without overextending operations. When possible, we consolidate larger shipments to end users to boost efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.

6. Ongoing Strategic Guidance

Our team stays current on state-by-state legislation so you don’t have to. As your partner, we’ll keep you informed, share relevant updates, and tailor recommendations based on your industry, markets, and growth plans.

Get Ahead of EPR with a Smarter Packaging Strategy

EPR is reshaping how businesses think about packaging, from material choices to long-term supply chain strategies. While the landscape can be complex, it also opens the door to smarter, more sustainable decisions that can strengthen your brand and bottom line.

At Pioneer, we help you prepare—not just to comply, but to compete. From packaging design and material guidance to sourcing and inventory planning, we bring clarity, strategy, and flexibility to every step.