PACK Act introduced to Congress

U.S. Rep. Randy Weber of Texas has introduced the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025, a bill that would establish the first voluntary federal standard for environmental claims on packaging under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and remove what the congressman calls “misleading green labels that confuse consumers and undermine real recycling efforts.”

In a release announcing the legislation, Weber says that across the country, a patchwork of state regulations has resulted in unverified claims like “recyclable,” “compostable” and “reusable” to appear on packaging, “often without any connection to real-world recycling or composting systems.” The congressman claims this confusion has made it harder for consumers to know what can actually be recycled and has weakened legitimate environmental initiatives.

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Weber says the PACK Act addresses this problem by promoting science-backed, industry-driven standards for environmental labeling. Under the legislation, companies may only make environmental claims if those claims are scientifically verified and recognized by existing recycling or composting programs, ensuring honesty and transparency without imposing new mandates.

“Americans want to do the right thing, but misleading labels make that harder,” Weber says. “The PACK Act cuts through that confusion. It’s pro-environment, pro-business and rooted in common sense, all while holding companies accountable and giving consumers clear, honest information they can trust.”

Recycling industry organizations recently have voiced support for the legislation. For example, the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) says its uniform structure would help businesses provide accurate and transparent information across state lines.

“By reducing consumer confusion and enabling informed choices, the PACK Act will promote proper management of packaging materials at end-of-life, diverting them from landfills and advancing a circular economy,” the Springfield, Massachusetts-based organization says.

AMERIPEN highlights key elements of the bill, including:

• Mandatory third-party certification for consumer packaging: The PACK Act requires an accredited third-party certification body to authorize recyclable, compostable and reusable claims on consumer packaging, allowing businesses to utilize a variety of qualified independent parties to certify that packaging meets industry standards and follows the FTC’s “Green Guides” to avoid deceptive claims.
• Focus on consumer packaging: The certification programs will address how recyclable, compostable and reusable claims can be made for different types, shapes, sizes and colors of consumer packaging, while nonconsumer packaging will not be subject to the third-party certification requirement.
• State preemption: AMERIPEN notes that states will be preempted from enacting or enforcing any legal requirement that is not identical to the requirements under the PACK Act.

Regarding state preemption, AMERIPEN says the approach will ensure that a truly national and consistent framework for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims for consumer packaging is achieved to eliminate interstate commerce challenges and, to the extent possible, eliminate consumer confusion and mistrust regarding consumer packaging claims. Additionally, the organization says the legislation would help assure that consumer packaging is “handled correctly.”

Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of the Washington-based Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), thanked Weber for introducing the bill.

“Plastic packaging is essential to modern life—protecting products, keeping food fresh and ensuring medical supplies arrive safely—yet companies and consumers are currently navigating a complex landscape of rules around recyclable, compostable and reusable packaging claims,” Seaholm says. “This growing patchwork not only creates regulatory uncertainty but also has the potential to increase costs and contribute to broader affordability concerns.

“As an industry that employs more than 1 million Americans, we appreciate Congressman Weber’s leadership on this important issue that strengthens U.S. manufacturing and consumer confidence.”