--- title: blog | Jacob --- [Skip to content](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/author/jacob#main-content) [![EP Group](https://info.epgroup.us/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ep-group-usa-2026/images/ep-group-logo.png?width=240&height=126&name=ep-group-logo.png) USA](https://info.epgroup.us/) Menu [Packaging](https://info.epgroup.us/products) [How we help](https://info.epgroup.us/approach) [Industries](https://info.epgroup.us/industries) [Insights](https://info.epgroup.us/insights) [The Group](https://info.epgroup.us/about) [Contact](https://info.epgroup.us/contact) [Start a review](https://info.epgroup.us/quote) PACKAGING INSIGHTS # Better questions lead to better packaging decisions. Practical guidance for procurement, operations, quality, supply-chain, and packaging teams. [in**Follow EP Group USA**More packaging insight on LinkedIn ↗](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ep-group-usa/) [![A shopper pulls one clear produce bag from an authentic Pinch Pull cardboard dispenser beside three peppers in a grocery produce department.](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/pinch-pull-blog-featured-v1.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/pinch-pull-produce-bag-dispensing) August 27, 2026 ### [Pinch Pull™ Produce Bags: A Different Approach to In-Store Dispensing](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/pinch-pull-produce-bag-dispensing) Learn how the Pinch Pull produce-bag format is designed to present one self-opening bag at a time and what retailers should consider before a store trial. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/pinch-pull-produce-bag-dispensing) [![A shopper holds a produce bag beside a roll dispenser and fresh vegetables in a grocery produce department.](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/california-produce-bags-linkedin-v7.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/california-produce-bag-rules-supply-checklist) August 21, 2026 ### [California Produce Bag Rules: A Practical Supply Checklist](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/california-produce-bag-rules-supply-checklist) California’s produce-bag rules affect material, labeling, specifications and supply planning. Use this practical checklist to prepare your program. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/california-produce-bag-rules-supply-checklist) [![Second-source packaging qualification framework](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/second-source.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/qualify-the-second-source-before-you-need-it) July 30, 2026 ### [Qualify the Second Source Before You Need It](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/qualify-the-second-source-before-you-need-it) Build a usable packaging contingency path by qualifying specifications, samples, documentation, and ordering routes before disruption. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/qualify-the-second-source-before-you-need-it) [![Packaging standardization decision framework](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/packaging-standardization.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/standardize-rules-keep-local-flexibility) July 30, 2026 ### [Standardize the Rules. Keep the Right Local Flexibility.](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/standardize-rules-keep-local-flexibility) Reduce multi-site packaging complexity by standardizing decision rules while preserving valid local and operational requirements. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/standardize-rules-keep-local-flexibility) [![Packaging trial scorecard framework](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/packaging-trial-scorecard.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/a-packaging-trial-needs-a-scorecard) July 30, 2026 ### [A Packaging Trial Needs a Scorecard](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/a-packaging-trial-needs-a-scorecard) Agree success criteria before packaging samples reach the line, store, or operation with a practical, evidence-based trial scorecard. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/a-packaging-trial-needs-a-scorecard) [![](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/melt.webp)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/beyond-the-bin-turning-aluminum-waste-into-circular-value) July 15, 2025 ### [Beyond the Bin: Turning Aluminum Waste Into Circular Value](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/beyond-the-bin-turning-aluminum-waste-into-circular-value) Discover how EP Group’s UK division, Coppice, is cutting aluminum packaging waste through smart manufacturing and closed-loop recycling—driving real sustainability gains. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/beyond-the-bin-turning-aluminum-waste-into-circular-value) [![](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/dramatic%20aluminum%20tray.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/what-the-uks-new-epr-fees-mean-for-u.s.-packaging-strategy) June 30, 2025 ### [What the UK’s New EPR Fees Mean for U.S. Packaging Strategy](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/what-the-uks-new-epr-fees-mean-for-u.s.-packaging-strategy) Discover how the UK’s new EPR fee structure highlights aluminium’s cost-saving potential—and what it means for U.S. food packaging companies preparing for future regulations. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/what-the-uks-new-epr-fees-mean-for-u.s.-packaging-strategy) [![](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/Artboard%201.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/smart-packaging-for-produce-how-to-cut-waste) June 24, 2025 ### [Smart Packaging for Produce: How to Cut Waste by 30% at Checkout](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/smart-packaging-for-produce-how-to-cut-waste) Discover how EP Group USA's innovative Pinch Pull™ system and eco-friendly packaging solutions can cut produce bag waste by 30% and improve checkout efficiency. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/smart-packaging-for-produce-how-to-cut-waste) [![](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/article.webp)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/how-to-avoid-the-hidden-costs-of-china-tariffs-in-your-packaging-supply-chain) June 24, 2025 ### [How to Avoid the Hidden Costs of China Tariffs in Your Packaging Supply Chain](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/how-to-avoid-the-hidden-costs-of-china-tariffs-in-your-packaging-supply-chain) Learn how to avoid China tariffs in your packaging supply chain and explore sustainable, tariff-free alternatives with EP Group USA. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/how-to-avoid-the-hidden-costs-of-china-tariffs-in-your-packaging-supply-chain) [![](https://info.epgroup.us/hubfs/bags-1.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/understanding-us-epr) June 24, 2025 ### [Understanding U.S. EPR Laws: What Retailers Need to Know in 2025](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/understanding-us-epr) Learn what U.S. retailers need to know about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in 2025. See which states are implementing EPR, what fees apply, and how EP Group USA can help you stay compliant and sustainable. [Read insight ↗](https://info.epgroup.us/blog/understanding-us-epr) [![EP Group](https://info.epgroup.us/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/ep-group-usa-2026/images/ep-group-logo-white.png?width=200&height=100&name=ep-group-logo-white.png)](https://info.epgroup.us/) More than 50 years of packaging experience, connected to U.S. sales, customer service, logistics coordination and local distribution support. 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