US Plastics Pact releases EPR policy position paper

The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) has released its first-ever policy position paper on extended producer responsibility (EPR).

The paper aims to offer a clear, consensus-built framework to guide policymakers as states consider EPR legislation for plastic packaging. Developed through extensive engagement across the entire packaging value chain, USPP says the paper outlines six key policy levers that support what it deems effective, equitable and implementable EPR programs.

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According to Walpole, New Hampshire-based USPP, the paper reflects months of work by brands, retailers, manufacturers, recyclers, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), government entities and technical experts, and draws on a value chain survey, a hybrid workshop on EPR fundamentals and multiple rounds of review by USPP members, whose feedback shaped the final guidance.

USPP says this broad, active participation makes the points in the paper both balanced in perspective and pragmatic in design, “offering a rare point of alignment for stakeholders who routinely navigate complex and often contentious EPR debates.”

Megan O’Brien, program manager for reporting and special projects at USPP, says, “There is no shortage of EPR guidance in the marketplace, but what makes this one different is the process behind it. This paper reflects genuine consensus across stakeholders who don’t always come to the table with the same priorities. Its value is that the Pact has already navigated the hard conversations, giving policymakers a credible, balanced foundation to build from.”

The position paper focuses on six policy levers—funding model, funding system design, fee setting and ecomodulation, performance targets, responsible end markets and covered materials—that states can use to build structured, harmonized EPR systems while retaining flexibility to address local infrastructure, data and market realities. USPP says it also has drawn on its Roadmap 2.0 and guidance from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and the paper emphasizes clear definitions, transparent and responsible end market criteria, achievable initial requirements and mechanisms to increase ambition over time.

“Developing the U.S. Plastics Pact’s EPR position paper was a collaborative process that brought in valuable perspectives from the public, private and nonprofit sectors on what representatives would like to see out of the future EPR programs,” says Preston Peck, senior sustainability analyst with the City of Tacoma, Washington. “We hope that this document can provide legislators and advocates with guidance on best practices, lessons learned and other policy considerations from Pact members’ experience with EPR policy development and implementation across the U.S.”

In the view of Robert Flores, vice president of sustainability operations and advocacy, Americas, at global packaging producer Amcor PLC, fragmented approaches can hold back progress. “EPR works best when every part of the value chain is engaged and contributing to balanced outcomes that are sustainable long-term.”

USPP says the paper underscores the link between supply-side EPR obligations and demand-side policies needed to strengthen postconsumer recycled content (PCR) markets—a critical element of a circular system. By translating circular economy objectives into clear, consensus-built guidance, USPP says it is offering policymakers a practical resource for developing legislation that works in real-world conditions while maintaining long-term circularity goals.

“Anyone who has worked on EPR legislation understands how complex these issues can be,” USPP CEO Jonathan Quinn says. “The fact that our [members] aligned around these principles is a testament to the strength of this network and our shared commitment to advancing circularity in the United States.”