In recent years, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws have gained significant traction, with numerous states in the U.S. and other countries having adopted programs to manage the end-of-life disposal of products such as carpets, mattresses, electronics and much more.
In the U.S., this environmental policy approach, often enacted through federal or state legislation, extends a producer’s responsibility to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle. Under EPR, producers—which include manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, or first importers—are required to provide funding and services to manage products when they become waste, including the collection, sorting, and processing of these products for reuse or recycling. Recent EPR legislation also mandates producers to develop public outreach and education campaigns to encourage consumer participation in recycling programs. Additionally, many bills allocate funds for infrastructure improvements and end-market development for recycled materials. These measures impose significant obligations on producers and substantially impact the markets for materials used in targeted product categories.
Currently, EPR legislative measures for textiles and packaging are gaining momentum in the U.S., with several states considering laws to manage textile waste more effectively. Meanwhile, various states have already passed laws addressing packaging waste, creating a patchwork of sometimes conflicting state-level regulations with varying degrees of stringency. These laws are poised to have impacts on the nonwovens industry. Moreover, there is real potential for additional EPR laws in the future, as governments recognize the benefits of such policies in reducing waste and conserving resources and shifting these expenses to producers.
To prepare for an EPR future, affected companies must work to understand current regulations, be prepared to engage in industry collaborations, and invest in sustainable product innovations. The ongoing evolution of EPR policies underscores the importance of staying informed and proactive in shaping a sustainable future. Join our webinar on Tuesday, Oct 15 at 11:00 am ET to hear from top experts at Resource Recycling Systems and Serlin Haley explore these topics further, delve into the nuances of EPR, discuss the status of current textile and packaging EPR laws, and strategize for the potential expansion of EPR frameworks across different sectors.
Industry Expert: Marisa Adler is a senior consultant at RRS with 10 years of experience in implementing, maintaining, and developing recycling programs for local governments. Marisa utilizes her knowledge of recycling systems, policy, program planning and implementation, and the circular economy to benefit private, public, and non-profit sector clients. Marisa is also a Waste 360 40 Under 40 award recipient.
Industry Expert: Resa Dimino joined RRS in January of 2017 bringing over 25 years of experience in waste reduction, recycling, product stewardship, solid waste management, and environmental economic development. Resa is focusing on corporate clients and collaborative initiatives to improve recovery, increase sustainability, and facilitate product stewardship.
Industry Expert: Andrew is a registered federal lobbyist who has testified before the U.S. Senate and lobbied in over 25 state capitols. Prior to joining Serlin Haley, he served as vice president of government affairs for the Toy Industry Association, where he oversaw TIA’s advocacy programs at both the state and federal levels. Andrew also has directed the national government affairs program of the Consumer Specialty Products Association. Andrew received a Bachelors of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington, Indiana and a Masters of Business Administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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