What is EPR-Forward Food Packaging & Why Do You Need It?What is EPR-Forward Food Packaging & Why Do You Need It?

As more states introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, brands must rethink their packaging designs to meet new eco-friendly standards and avoid costly fees. Is your packaging ready for these changes?

Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor

October 3, 2024

2 Min Read
EPR-Forward Food Packaging session at Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis 2024
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At a Glance

  • EPR laws are gaining traction in the US, and its implications for food packaging are profound.
  • Discover key steps for aligning your packaging with EPR programs, such as Minnesota’s Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act.
  • Join industry experts at MinnPack 2024 for insights on balancing sustainability with business success.

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is building momentum in the US, with seven states now with laws designed to boost packaging collection and recycling and another 10 states considering such a program.

How will these EPR programs impact packaging design? Although brands have been actively developing packaging in the last two decades that is more environmentally friendly, is their packaging eco-friendly enough to not incur EPR fees?

Brands need to prepare now for California’s Senate Bill 54, Minnesota’s Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act, and other EPR program requirements by balancing operational and value chain changes while keeping an eye on costs.

Join me on October 16 at MinnPack 2024 for an enlightening presentation from experts in extended producer responsibility and food packaging. I’ll be moderating a panel discussion on steps brands should take to get started and stay ahead.

This session is free to attendees of Advanced Manufacturing Minneapolis (AMM), taking place October 16-17 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It is one of many sessions addressing top concerns of product manufacturers and packagers.

Session: “What is EPR-Forward Food Packaging & Why Do You Need It?”

When: Wednesday, October 16, 12:15 – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Engineering Stage, Booth 1516

Related:13 Easy Tips for Better Packaging Sustainability

Panelists: Mallory Anderson, Policy Specialist at Hennepin County in Minnesota — Anderson lead the program to develop the Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act, which was signed into law in May 2024 by Governor Tim Walz.

Kirk Koudelka, Assistant Commissioner, Land Policy & Strategic Initiatives at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) — The MPCA will oversee the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for Minnesota’s Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act.

Claire Sand, Owner & Founder at Packaging Technology & Research LLC — Sand is a regular contributor to Packaging Digest and a global packaging leader with more than 35 years of food science and packaging experience. Her mission is to enable a more sustainable food system by advancing science and value chain innovations that increase food shelf life and decrease food waste.

During the 45-minute presentation, attendees will hear more about Minnesota’s EPR program, as well as tips on how brand owners can best comply with this and other EPR programs. The experts on our panel will share actionable insights that brands and packaging material manufacturers can leverage for business success in coming years.

About the Author

Lisa McTigue Pierce

Executive Editor, Packaging Digest

Lisa McTigue Pierce is Executive Editor of Packaging Digest. She’s been a packaging media journalist since 1982 and tracks emerging trends, new technologies, and best practices across a spectrum of markets for the publication’s global community. Reach her at [email protected] or 630-272-1774.

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