How Will Package Recycling Claims & Labeling Requirements Affect Your Business?

The US regulatory environment for labeling has never been trickier to navigate. In 2021, California enacted its “truth in labeling” law (SB 343), which not only influenced other states to explore similar legislation but also inspired the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to consider revising its Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (a.k.a. Green Guides). The result? Complexity, uncertainty, and loads of lawsuits.

To help provide some clarity, the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (Ameripen) packaging industry advocate and lobbying group, has announced a new three-part webinar series. Titled Understanding Packaging Claims and Labeling Requirements (see link for details), it will begin on September 24.

“Packaging claims and labeling is an increasing area of concern with a lack of clarity, and [people] are not finding a lot of guidance available,” says Dan Felton, executive director of Ameripen. To that end, each of the three sessions is curated to pair guidance with actionable insights to give professionals involved in regulatory compliance, marketing, and product development a solid understanding of the latest developments as well as practical strategies related to packaging claims and labeling requirements.

Related:Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Danone Face Lawsuit for 100% Recycling Claims

Presenters, left to right: Sheila Millar (Session 1), Joe Dages (session 2), Paul Nowak (Session 3). Image: Ameripen

Session 1: “Moving Target: The Fluctuation of Environmental Claims and Labeling Guidance”

This session, held Tuesday, September 24, 1 pm ET (10 a.m. PT), is presented by Sheila Millar, partner with Keller and Heckman.

Overview: Do you understand why some companies face greenwashing challenges and others don’t? This webinar will walk registrants through a comprehensive examination of applicable laws and legislation governing packaging claims and labeling. It will highlight potential conflicts and contradictions within the regulatory frameworks and guide attendees through the substantiation requirements crucial for supporting and defending such claims while evaluating their business impacts.

Session 2: “Legislative Pathways: State or Federal?”

This session, held, Tuesday, October 29, 1 pm ET (10 a.m. PT), will be presented by Joe Dages of Steptoe & Johnson.

Overview: Did you know there is no standard federal definition for recycling, recyclable, or compostable in the US? Despite the FTC Green Guides helping to provide a common interpretation, states can set their own definitions. As a result, what is deemed recyclable in one state may not be in another. This webinar will discuss federal legislative proposals to help provide standardized definitions in order to bring about greater clarity and harmonization on packaging pathways for end-of-life.

Session 3: “Recommendations for Applying On-Pack Claims and Labels in 2025 and Beyond”

This panel session, held Tuesday, November 12, 1 pm ET (10 a.m. PT), will be led by Paul Nowak, executive director of GreenBlue, BPI, How2Recycle, and Smart Label.

Overview: With all the legislative proposals examining packaging claims and labels, what does this mean for popular labeling programs like How2Recycle and Smart Label? Join a panel of presenters to learn more about using these programs and how they anticipate some of the pending legislative proposals may interplay with their programs.