Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is no longer just a European initiative—it’s becoming a reality for U.S. retailers and brands in 2025. With several states implementing or finalizing EPR legislation for packaging, now is the time to prepare.
At EP Group USA, we’ve supported our global partners through EPR rollouts across the UK and EU. Here’s what U.S. businesses need to know—and how we can help you stay compliant, cost-effective, and sustainable.
EPR shifts the responsibility for packaging waste away from consumers and local governments and onto the producers—the brands, retailers, and suppliers who introduce packaging into the market.
Under EPR, businesses are typically required to:
Report the volume and type of packaging they use
Pay fees based on material type, recyclability, and weight
Support the collection, recycling, or reuse of that packaging
As of mid-2025, four U.S. states have passed packaging EPR legislation:
|
State |
Status |
Key Dates |
|---|---|---|
|
Maine |
Passed (2021) |
Implementation in 2026 |
|
Oregon |
Passed (2021) |
First payments in 2025 |
|
Colorado |
Passed (2022) |
Producer enrollment starts 2025 |
|
California |
Passed (2022) |
Phased implementation 2026–2032 |
Other states like New York, Maryland, and Illinois are actively considering similar programs.
EPR fees are based on material types, weight, and recyclability. Common trends include:
Higher fees for hard-to-recycle items (e.g. multilayer films, polystyrene)
Discounts or bonuses for reusable, compostable, or high-recycled-content materials
Penalties for inaccurate reporting or non-compliance
For example, under the UK model, paperboard might incur ~$50/ton, while multilayer plastic film could exceed $500/ton. U.S. states will vary, but the incentive is clear: design packaging with end-of-life in mind.
With over 50 years of packaging innovation—and experience supporting global clients through EPR regulations—EP Group is uniquely positioned to guide U.S. retailers through this shift. Here’s how:
✅ EPR-ready packaging: From compostable and recyclable paper bags to mono-material films, we design with compliance in mind.
✅ Certified materials: Many of our products meet OK Compost, TÜV Austria, and other international standards.
✅ Specification support: We provide full documentation and labeling guidance to simplify your reporting.
EPR in the U.S. isn’t a question of if, but when. And the most successful retailers are already adjusting their packaging strategies.
Whether you operate in California, supply across multiple states, or just want to stay ahead of the curve—EP Group USA is ready to support your next step.
Let’s talk about how we can help future-proof your packaging.
EP Group is a global leader in sustainable packaging with direct production control, U.S.-based support, and an Ecovadis Platinum sustainability rating.