Carbon Neutrality Resources

Many public companies have set aggressive sustainability targets; most of
 which involve packaging. Now, more than ever, product companies are investing
 in reducing the environmental impacts of their packaging and communicating
 these efforts on their labels.


 A major component to understanding your environmental impact is the amount of
 production and discharge of carbon. So, many companies are asking the question
 “How do we make carbon neutral packaging?”


 This is a dense topic, so&nbsp;<a
 href="/lessons/carbon-neutral-part-2"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >we will be back next month</a
 >&nbsp;with part two, implementation and measurement, of our study of carbon
 neutrality.

<h2>Optimize Your Sustainability Packaging Process</h2>

 For a deeper dive into sustainability as it relates to packaging and ways to
 reduce a company’s environmental footprint, look no further than our&nbsp;<a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/sustainable-packaging/"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >sustainability course&nbsp;</a
 >containing over 4 hours of engaging content.


 While you are at it, check out our certificate programs,&nbsp;<a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/get-to-know-cps/"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Certificate of Packaging Science</a
 >&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/get-to-know-cmpm/"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management</a
 >&nbsp;that cover this course andmuch more.

Sustainable Packaging Course

Certificate of Mastery in Packaging Management

Certificate of Packaging Science

Sustainability Resources Part 1

Carbon Neutral - Definition and Crediting

Outlining Carbon Equivalents and Offset Strategies: A 7-Step Process

Let’s start with this question . . . How will you design for carbon neutrality? Achieving a net carbon dioxide output as close to zero as possible is accomplished a variety of ways. You can purchase carbon offsets. You can use post consumer recycled materials. You can use bioenergy with carbon capture and storage.<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/coronavirus-leading-through-the-crisis/charting-the-path-to-the-next-normal/high-tech-solutions-for-the-net-zero-equation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a> You can right-size your shipments, reduce travel time, and use green energy throughout the supply chain.<a href="https://library.packagingschool.com/lessons/Retrieved%20from%20https://route.com/blog/carbon-neutral-shipping" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a> Thankfully, tools in the industry exist to help provide reliable and high-quality life-cycle carbon footprint assessments for all of the stages of a package life cycle.&nbsp;So, check out these tools that are developed for the packaging industry:<ul><li>CleanMetrics<a href="https://www.cleanmetrics.com/html/packaging_carbon_footprints.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a></li><li>Compass by Trayak<a href="https://trayak.com/solutions/ecoimpact-compass-for-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5</a></li><li>ASSETTM by Amcor<a href="https://www.amcor.com/products/services/life-cycle-assessment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a></li></ul>In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (or EPA) also has a carbon calculator that shows how to get on the right track in assessing the shipping-related carbon a business is emitting.<a href="https://www.amcor.com/products/services/life-cycle-assessment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a>,<a href="https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7</a>&nbsp;So, how much carbon is really in a corrugated container?<div><image src='https://packschool.s3.amazonaws.com/lessons/carbon-neutral-part-2/box2.webp' alt='Packaging School' /></div>A common e-commerce box like this (9 x 9 x 9 in., weighing 0.64 lbs) is estimated to emit 0.27 kg CO2e / kg.<a href="https://consumerecology.com/carbon-footprint-of-a-cardboard-box/#:~:text=The%20cradle%20to%20grave%20carbon%20footprint%20of%20flat%20cardboard%20is,of%20a%20gallon%20of%20gasoline" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a>But if you want to calculate your own shipment box, that’s an option too! Companies have calculators based on the various studies they have conducted, like life cycle assessments that you can see right here and learn yourself.<a href="https://www.corrugated.org/carbon-footprint-calculator/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>&nbsp;EcoEnclose also has a useful calculator based on weight and number of orders shipped to location per week.<a href="https://www.ecoenclose.com/eco-savings-calculator-corrugated-shipping-boxes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10</a> So, as you play around with these calculators, you’ll see they will provide you with slightly different data, since the backend systems were designed differently, so, keep this in mind—there’s really not a one-size-fits-all answer until you create it for yourself. The answer to calculating your CO2 is going to be you.&nbsp;Let’s move on to some different materials—glass and plastic. As you can tell by holding these materials, a glass bottle is heavier than a plastic one, but what impact does that make on the carbon production? Published research out there indicates that glass like this, around 82 grams of PCR (post-consumer recycled) glass, is equivalent to around 250 grams of CO2 equivalents per jar.<a href="https://www.drugplastics.com/choose-plastic-over-glass-for-better-sustainability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11</a>&nbsp;And a lighter version, like at 13 grams of HDPE for instance, you’re going to be looking at around 50 grams of CO2 equivalents.<a href="https://www.drugplastics.com/choose-plastic-over-glass-for-better-sustainability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11</a> So, simply put, there is 20% less carbon impact for the plastic jar. And let that sit with you for a bit. A lot of these metrics are simply based on weight.Now, let’s take a closer look at the difference between recycled PET (rPET) and virgin materials. So, published research has documented PET really well. Let’s say that this is 100% virgin PET, and this is 100% PCR PET. That means it’s 100% post-consumer recycled content. This one, the virgin PET, has an impact of 2.15 kg.<a href="https://packagingeurope.com/study-confirms-the-excellent-carbon-footprint-of-recycled-pet/1923.article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12</a> And this one, the exact same thing just in PCR, has an impact of 0.45 kg CO2e.<a href="https://packagingeurope.com/study-confirms-the-excellent-carbon-footprint-of-recycled-pet/1923.article" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12</a> So, big difference when you look at post-consumer recycled content and its impact on your carbon emissions.Overall, PCR packaging allows for a 60% decrease in your carbon footprint compared to virgin plastics.<a href="https://www.copiousbags.com/pcr-post-consumer-recycled-packaging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13</a> 100% PCR packaging requires no “virgin” petroleum to be sourced and it diverts recycled materials from ending up in a landfill.<a href="https://www.copiousbags.com/pcr-post-consumer-recycled-packaging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13</a>,<a href="https://www.seventhgeneration.com/blog/all-about-pcr-post-consumer-recycled-material" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14</a> For example, as part of Colgate-Palmolive’s company commitment to provide “environmentally friendly” home-care products, they relaunched their new Palmolive Ultra dish soap using post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles.<a href="https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/colgate-palmolive-dish-soap-pcr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15</a> And the company claims this offsets 5,200 tons of plastic a year from ending up in landfills from across the U.S. and Canada.<a href="https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/colgate-palmolive-dish-soap-pcr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15</a>&nbsp;You may have heard of “net carbon negative”—and some businesses actually have this as a goal.IKEA claims to be on track to become climate positive by 2030. And that means, they are going to somehow reduce more greenhouse gas emissions than their entire value chain emits. In order to achieve this, they are looking to promote sustainable choices and transform into a circular business, phase out fossil fuels and work towards 100% renewable energy, and use sustainable materials and food ingredients.<a href="https://about.ikea.com/en/sustainability/becoming-climate-positive/what-is-climate-positive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">17</a>While packaging may only represent 5% of a product’s carbon footprint, brands and buyers are looking to find ways to reduce every single percentage point possible.<a href="https://www.climatecollaborative.com/packaging#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20packaging%20accounts%20for,to%20ship%20it%20to%20market" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">19</a> This is just one of many skills that a packaging professional can bring to a business. People look to you as a resource for new ideas, innovations, and solutions. Being able to discuss how carbon is measured, show examples of projects that offset emissions, and present opportunities and alternative solutions to reduce carbon, positions you as a packaging consultant and leader.Are you ready to join them?

Part 2 Carbon Neutral - Measurement and Implementation

Have you ever walked down a grocery store aisle and been captivated by an innovative packaging design—maybe you did a double take because something about the design grabbed your attention and drew you in for a closer look?&nbsp;You might be wondering . . . how do designers and packaging professionals transform a design concept into a physical product that works to capture the interests of consumers? And how many steps does this process entail?Our <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://library.packagingschool.com/packdesign-workshop">Pack Design Workshop</a> is an online, hands-on program that walks you through the packaging design process—from brainstorming to digital prototyping, market research, and design considerations. Sounds complex, right? You might be surprised to hear that we recently had a high school student go through the workshop, creating their own cereal box and taking away valuable insights related to the packaging development process.Students, like Claire, go through a 6-phase syllabus that include the following steps:<ul><li>Welcome&nbsp;</li><li>Market Research&nbsp;</li><li>Brainstorm and Ideation&nbsp;</li><li>Design Factors&nbsp;</li><li>Digital Prototype&nbsp;</li><li>Conclusion</li></ul>Throughout the 6 six phases listed above, students will achieve the following objectives:<ul><li>Research competitive packaging within a specific market&nbsp;</li><li>Develop a process for ideation and experimentation&nbsp;</li><li>Understand and apply design best practices through prototyping&nbsp;</li><li>Digitally develop a final rendering of the prototype</li></ul>The interactive online program, completed at one’s own pace, is one-of-a-kind as it takes learning a step further—allowing students to apply the learnings from the course to make a cereal box they design themselves (course instructions may be modified to design any type of box). Pack Design Workshop students create products that combine market research and consumer psychology, graphic design principles, and more. See Claire’s output below:<img src="https://psadmin.s3.amazonaws.com/packdesignfront.png"><img src="https://psadmin.s3.amazonaws.com/packdesignback.png">The program allows students with less graphic design and packaging experience, like Claire, to understand the complexities and challenges involved with bringing a new packaging system to market.&nbsp;Designers, especially packaging designers, have hundreds of ideas running through their minds daily, so this course can help turn those ideas into tangible end-products and weed out ineffective ideas that are not suitable for execution. For example, Claire told us she has countless designs and ideas that she developed in her spare time, and completing the workshop allowed her to both capitalize on solid concepts and gain an understanding of how to evaluate ideas moving forward.An idea for a revolutionary packaging design and system is nothing without a concrete understanding of the steps needed to take such an idea to market, in an effective and un-costly manner. Students learn that packaging design is more than meets the eye—it requires extensive brainstorming, market research, comfortability with software and prototyping, and more.<blockquote>Claire explains:&nbsp;“I am so thankful for this experience. I feel I was able to effectively get my ideas out and onto a professional final product. I learned so much, all the way from psychology in colors, to learning about BoxItNow software. Having the final product is so relieving, but I am still inspired to create more. I have many more designs I have created with my spare time, as this project has opened up so many ideas to me.”</blockquote>Since Pack Design Workshop allows students to learn at their own pace and potentially bring real-world projects to the table, the possibilities are endless. Ultimately, it will enable you to become a packaging problem solver for your organization and leave you with intangible skills and an end-product. Turn your ideas into reality with Pack Design Workshop!&nbsp;Learn more at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://library.packagingschool.com/packdesign-workshop">https://library.packagingschool.com/packdesign-workshop</a>

Pack Design Workshop Experiences

Access The Green Guides

There are many different approaches and definitions to sustainability.&nbsp;And there are many different recycling and carbon reporting services in the marketplace.&nbsp;So, as we try to navigate and make sense of the world of sustainable packaging, we enter into a sort of unregulated or gray area of law, where regulations have not caught up with technology.&nbsp;It’s not just packaging—think about artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, dietary supplements—these categories are beholden to evolving legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unregulated markets breed new ideas, products, and services, which in turn bring new interpretations that may be false or deceptive.&nbsp;False marketing and deception within the marketplace can negatively influence the economy,&nbsp; which is why in the United States the FTC, or the Federal Trade Commission, provides a level of regulation on how environmental claims can be communicated on packaging.&nbsp;Thankfully, the FTC provides you, the packaging professional, with an essential resource called the Green Guides, so you can understand the current parameters, make better decisions, and advance your packaging.&nbsp;These Guides are updated over time, and the FTC gives you a voice in impacting the future of sustainability regulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;By the end of this short lesson you’re going to be able to:<ul><li>Discuss at a high level the mission of the FTC&nbsp;</li><li>Describe the FTC’s Green Guides&nbsp;</li><li>Summarize the Green Guides review process&nbsp;</li><li>Utilize the Green Guides online</li></ul>Have you ever seen a package labeled with How2Recycle’s “Store Drop-Off” instructions?<a href="https://lakecountyrecycles.com/ask-the-experts-plastic-bag-recycling/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a> How about a product that says it’s FSC certified, or made with 100% post-consumer recycled materials, or 100% recyclable?<a href="https://www.oliverinc.com/the-oliver-guide-to-sustainable-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a> &nbsp;Chances are, you’ve seen this type of labeling on numerous occasions since the global market for green and environmentally friendly packaging is growing at an astonishing rate. In the current landscape, companies aim to develop sustainably packaged products they can advertise as “green.”<a href="https://www.packaginglaw.com/special-focus/global-regulatory-considerations-green-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a>&nbsp;But what has to happen for a company to be able to add labels like this on a product—surely they can’t just slap a carbon neutral certified claim onto any package?<a href="https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-labelling/carbon-neutral-certification" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a> There’s a set of standards one has to meet to make these types of claims, right? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out.So, speaking of claims, this is where the FTC comes in. The FTC is an independent agency appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/reports_annual/one-page-ftc-performance-snapshot/2012snapshotpar.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5</a> The FTC has been around for a while too—signed into law in 1914 by Woodrow Wilson.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc/history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a> The mission of this agency is to protect consumers by preventing businesses from becoming unfair, deceptive, and anti-competitive.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7</a> The FTC also enhances the public understanding of the competitive process.The FTC’s Green Guides are designed to help marketers avoid making misleading environmental claims.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/green-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a> The Green Guides were issued in 1922 and subsequently revised in 1996, 1998, and 2012.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/green-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a>&nbsp; According to the FTC, the guidance they provide is segmented into three buckets.<a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/truth-advertising/green-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a><ol><li>General principles that apply to all environmental marketing claims</li><li>How consumers are likely to interpret particular claims and how marketers can substantiate these claims</li><li>How marketers can qualify their claims to avoid deceiving consumers</li></ol>It’s important to note that the Green Guides are not independently enforceable. When a marketer makes an environmental claim inconsistent with the Green Guides, the FTC can take formal action; however, the Commission must prove that the challenged claim is also an unfair or deceptive to continue forward.<a href="https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/new-year-new-green-guide-review.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>So, how does the FTC handle reviewing and revising claims when said claims are constantly changing and evolving? To effectively remain current, the Green Guides have to keep up with developments in both science and consumer perception.<a href="https://www.morganlewis.com/pubs/2022/12/federal-trade-commission-votes-to-revamp-green-guides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Because of this the FTC generally reviews its rules and guidelines at least once every ten years. And the FTC wants you involved. When this review period comes about, they inform the public on their website and ask for input and dialogue. So, you can leave a comment stating your perspective on the use of a certain terminology and advertising, labeling, and packaging. For example, claims like “Recyclable,” “Compostable,” and “Degradable” are all included in the current Green Guides. But do these terms need to be amended or made easier for consumers to understand?There is also a section on specific claims that have generated a lot of attention over the last few years such as carbon offsets and climate change. You can submit comments here and even browse comments from the general public.<a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2022-0077/comments" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13</a>The current version of the Green Guides can be viewed under Title 16 in the electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) as seen here.<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-260" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14</a>In light of recurring negotiations to the Green Guides, it is important for companies and marketers alike to stay on top of the changes and consider how they may impact current business strategies.<a href="https://www.steptoe.com/en/news-publications/new-year-new-green-guide-review.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a> And as a packaging professional, it’s important that when you are making an environmental claim to consult the FTC Green Guides and assess if your claim is appropriate.&nbsp;Overall, the FTC Green Guides provide definitions to key terms and examples to ensure fair competition as consumer purchase decisions are influenced by environmental claims.

FTC and Green Guides

New sustainable packaging solutions seem to hit the market daily, and they’re popular amongst corporations, fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers, and packaging suppliers.&nbsp;These entities are proactively making bold commitments to improve the sustainability of their packaging while fundamentally rethinking their packaging systems.<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/paper-forest-products-and-packaging/our-insights/the-drive-toward-sustainability-in-packaging-beyond-the-quick-wins" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a>But whether we’re talking about packaging or life in general, we all know that saying is much easier than doing.So with that, by the end of this short lesson you’re going to be able to:<ul><li>Discuss the collaboration between various stakeholders when working toward&nbsp; sustainable packaging solutions&nbsp;</li><li>And asses the trade-offs that exist in the sustainable packaging sector&nbsp;</li></ul>So, to keep this brief, I’m going to focus on the people, processes, and technologies that come into play when considering implementing sustainable packaging solutions into your current packaging system.&nbsp;PEOPLECreating sustainable packaging that aims to increase environmental efficiency without compromising functionality (like preservation, protection, communication) is by no means a solo endeavor—it is a collective process that involves multiple stakeholders.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-cope-trade-offs-constraints-sustainable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>,3,4,5&nbsp; Clear communication needs to exist between product development, quality, your client, suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and ultimately, your end-users.&nbsp;Ensuring that you have identified a person and bounced off your idea off each of these stakeholders enables you to have a comprehensive understanding of the solution.&nbsp;Keep in mind that most people are reluctant to embrace change—so, instead of stating and defending your idea, ask as many questions as possible to fully uncover liabilities, issues, and reluctance.&nbsp;Try to embrace resistance to fully tease out where issues exist. Once you have a better understanding of the speedbumps ahead, you can begin to optimize your solution for deployment.&nbsp;By leveraging collective expertise, creativity, and insights amongst your stakeholders, solutions can be crafted that are not only environmentally friendly but also commercially viable and technically feasible.&nbsp;PROCESSES&nbsp;At a high level, it’s important to think about material usage (think reduce, reuse, recycle), but also energy, and waste, all while aiming to maximize performance, functionality, and appeal to the updated packaged system.&nbsp;So, as far as materials are concerned, let’s walk through an example highlighting common material trade-offs.&nbsp;So, a multilayer PET flow-wrap like this offers quality such as stiffness, gloss, print protection, and heat resistance for sealing.&nbsp;But laminates cannot always be recycled.<a href="https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2022/february/columns/packaging-applied-science-commercialization" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a>&nbsp;However, there are single-layer, mono-material flow-wraps available that can be recycled, even composted—like this.&nbsp;So, consider this sustainability example. Here we have a food bar in a PET laminate and over here we have the same bar in an oriented polyethylene—a mono-material.&nbsp;While the mono-material is recycle-ready for store drop-off, it can’t achieve the same thermal resistance of PET—which might be important for your product.<a href="https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2022/february/columns/packaging-applied-science-commercialization" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a>&nbsp;This is one of many possible trade-offs to be uncovered.&nbsp;You may find that while the more sustainable material theoretically works for your product, it may require upgrading your sealing equipment.&nbsp;Another example may be that a newer material is more brittle, requiring that you reduce your production line speeds.<a href="https://www.ift.org/news-and-publications/food-technology-magazine/issues/2022/february/columns/packaging-applied-science-commercialization" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a>&nbsp;There is also a consumer perception trade-off that is worth investigating.&nbsp;Even though sustainable packaging is often perceived as higher product quality due to its “naturalness,” it can also have an impact on the perceived aesthetic quality as well—biodegradable and compostable materials tend to be cloudier and more opaque than conventional plastics, whose transparency is associated with an attractive, fresh, and reliable product.7,8Let’s also look at PET—you know that number one plastic—versus PLA.&nbsp;So, PET has strong chemical properties that prevent microorganisms and chemicals from leaching through, while PLA’s barrier is not as resistant to microorganisms and chemicals.&nbsp;So, based on this, PET can therefore be used for long shelf life products, whereas PLA is typically used only for short shelf life products.<a href="https://www.rplanetearth.com/why-choose-rpet-recycled-pet-plastic-cups-over-pla-plant-based-cups/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>PLA melts at a lower heat capacity and its structure will deform more easily.9 And in terms of cost, PLA is more expensive to produce than raw PET and recycled PET.<a href="https://www.rplanetearth.com/why-choose-rpet-recycled-pet-plastic-cups-over-pla-plant-based-cups/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>, <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12715?af=R&amp;hss_channel=tw-15130873" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10</a>Any new material should be tested for product protection.&nbsp;So, the International Safe Transit Association has developed a sustainable packaging process guideline which provides rationale for sustainable packaging, recommended sustainable packaging metrics, and a standardized process guidance for organizing documentation and developing sustainable packaging.We’ve put these links in the resources section at the end of this lesson. <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1541-4337.12715?af=R&amp;hss_channel=tw-15130873" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11</a>,<a href="https://ista.org//cplp_rpbd_training.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12</a>As you can see, sustainable packaging optimization is not a linear process, but dynamic and iterative.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-cope-trade-offs-constraints-sustainable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>&nbsp;When considering new sustainable options within your organization, it’s important just to stay ahead of regulations, and start testing your ideas, building prototypes, and collecting as much data as possible so you can best communicate your ideas to all your stakeholders.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-do-you-cope-trade-offs-constraints-sustainable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a><a href="https://www.efficioconsulting.com/en-us/resources/reports/sustainable-packaging-why-and-how-to-stay-ahead-of-the-curve-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">,13</a>TECHNOLOGIESTechnologies play a key role in helping us achieve a more sustainable future.&nbsp;I believe it’s reasonable to assume that new materials will have lower supply and higher cost compared to traditional packaging materials.&nbsp;So, when considering a new packaging technology, anticipate who could also benefit from the investment. Seek out internal and external stakeholders who have sustainability goals.&nbsp;As new technologies and tools become available for seemingly unrelated topics, take a moment to connect the dots between your project and an emerging technology to find inspiration and resources. And remember, it’s always best practice to collaborate.&nbsp;It’s also important to take into account the full view of the packaging supply chain to be able to quantify your footprint—you need to recognize both direct and indirect carbon impacts and weigh the pros and cons associated with all the material choices or changes you are making.<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/paper-forest-products-and-packaging/our-insights/true-packaging-sustainability-understanding-the-performance-trade-offs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14</a>I know you're busy—so I’ll urge you to review the resources at the end of this lesson when you get a chance so you can continue to educate and inspire your organization on the trade-offs associated with your sustainable packaging goals.

Material Trade-offs

So, the other day I needed some shoes. I went online to check them out, and I was given the option of selecting up to three shoes that I might want, and, without paying for them, I ordered them and they arrived in this box.And now I have the opportunity to check them out, try them on, and I have seven days to make a decision.So, let's see how packaging can influence your decision, pre-purchase, in your own home.By the end of this short lesson, you will be able to:<ul><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Analyze how e-commerce packaging can influence your buying decisions&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Investigate material and design elements when unboxing your (shoe) packaging&nbsp;</li><li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Examine the correlation of quality between the packaging and the products within</li></ul>Alright, so look how they came. These look like ordinary shoe boxes, which they are. They got some dunnage off to the side.Let's take them out. This one looks nice. Now they all cost different, but the price tag is not here, so that becomes a little interesting to really know which one is greater value.This one's nice. Got some gold foil on it. And here's another one, and here's another one. This one seems pretty bare bones. I've got the product size, product details here, but this one over here just is a little level up. There's a little claim and it really does stand out. It is high contrast. And this one, this one looks totally different. I've got, instead of, you know, one piece design here, I have a two piece design. I've got foil, I've got a different color, I've got foil out here. I've got a nice, something that's standing out and, you know, some icon, nice claim, still have the product information on the outside.So, clearly one of these looks different than the rest. And this one over here seems to be, there's something a little bit more special, and over here it kind of feels, you know, as I would've expected. Maybe it's a good, better, best.So, this is what we have. And when we're looking straight down on this, there are some differences. These corrugated containers themselves are of the same material, but this one has a rollover. There's just a nicer finish. Look at this. You see this really nice rollover finish compared to the exposed corrugations and different materials. It just comes across a little bit different, and it does make a difference.The shoes themselves are wrapped in paper. So we've got paper here, another full wrap of paper here, but there's something just a little bit different here. Look at this. It's branded—got a branded paper. And you know, my first instinct is like—I wonder if it's a higher quality shoe, right? It's just different in this stack.&nbsp;There's also a divider from each. So, we're going here for the . . . for what appears to be less premium. It's just a piece of one, one sided board, kind of just kinda just folded, stuck in there. Over here, instead of being folded, it's just a single sheet. So, there's a little bit of difference here, but same brand. When looking here, I have double white, so it's just a little bit of an upgrade here.Let's look at the products themselves and see if there's any major differences. So, let’s go ahead and unbox these guys.In terms of the product, it's the same style of shoe. We're just going, what appears to be, from good, better, best. And let's see that.We've already seen that in the primary packaging, but what about just in the packing of the product? I'm gonna go for these bare ones. They have, like a paper straw, really. It's just a paper tube that's going in and it's holding the shoes up with wadded up paper. So we've got this here. And what I like about this is that it's a hundred percent recyclable. I could toss all of this in the recycling center. Next up is, it looks very similar. I still have these paper tubes, but they're much more stout. If you can see here, it’s much thicker and it still bends, but this one definitely came deformed. These ones look really good, really straight, but definitely more sturdy and stout. Let's pull out and see what they have protecting these shoes. It's different. I have a wadded piece of paper, but on top of it I've got a formed piece of paper and there's no coating on it. It's just, it looks like it's just been pressed and formed, definitely different—maybe it holds up the shoe a little bit better. But definitely when comparing, there certainly is a difference. We'll see these premium shoes here. Now the premium shoes don't have anything pushing onto the back, but they certainly have a different way of holding up these shoes. Kind of snug in there. Well, look at that. This is significantly different. We've got a fully molded pulp which is recyclable in the paper waste stream. So, this actually had a tool around it and this is a pulp option, you know, a really nice one-piece. There's a big difference here.&nbsp;So, in the future context of making a decision, when the marketplace comes to you, we're gonna see a lot more of that in the future of the products coming into a home and then you're trying them on and looking at them, and you'll be making these types of decisions. Little tiny things can make or break a decision because I haven't paid for these now, and now I still have seven days to try them all out to see which one I want. But the packaging certainly had an impression. They were very different. There were much more premium materials used throughout that entire unboxing process, including as it went directly on into the product protection.So, as you're thinking about your products and thinking about the future of the marketplace where you and your competition, or maybe even within your own product portfolio, are here side-by-side, how are you using packaging to communicate the quality of the product as we go from good, better, to best.

Shoe Shopping From Home

The Packaging Development Plan (PDP) is a 27-page template that guides CMPM students through a project that spans the length of the program and is focused on developing a packaging innovation—from ideation to implementation. The PDP consists of 10 distinct stages that mirror the packaging development and management process. Starting as a 27-page document, the PDP blossoms into something much larger for our students, with some PDPs reaching 200+ pages—resulting in a valuable resource [that can benefit both student and their organization].The 10 phases of the Packaging Development Plan include . . .&nbsp;<ul><li>Project Kickstart&nbsp;</li><li>Project Management Essentials&nbsp;</li><li>Regulations and Sustainability&nbsp;</li><li>Materials I&nbsp;</li><li>Materials II&nbsp;</li><li>Package Labeling and Finishing&nbsp;</li><li>Packaging Development Workflow&nbsp;</li><li>Capital Equipment and Scale Plan&nbsp;</li><li>Supply/Distribution Plan&nbsp;</li><li>Human Factors</li></ul>Let’s explore a PDP project from one of our past students (a packaging designer)—a concentrated laundry detergent innovation to reduce packaging materials.The student conducted the project in an effort to produce a line extension of the current laundry detergent portfolio in a pouch format. The project has an evolutionary direction, in order to continuously develop the main product line, while focusing on improving and reengineering the 3L pouch.The student’s strategy was to focus on shoppers who are looking for more efficient and sustainable ways of consuming, but they also wanted to figure out a way to prevent excess waste. They came up with a product that is a concentrated formula of liquid detergent, which allows for the replacement of the 3L pouch with a 500ml pouch, as the original detergent is diluted to meet the quantity of washes in the 3L pouch.Compared to the 3L pouch, there is less packaging material and less transportation necessary to deliver the same amount of washes, ultimately leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions. An innovation that could work to both differentiate the brand and also make progress on sustainability commitments. <h2>The student’s testimonial: </h2>“The CMPM journey was an opportunity to rediscover the packaging world. It provided me with a full picture from the planning to the implementation of a new product, going through materials, processes, sustainability, consumer behavior, and more. So, now it’s time to create new packaging solutions!” Learn how the CMPM and our PDP can help you and your organization accomplish great things for the packaging industry at <a href="https://packagingschool.com/certifications/get-to-know-cmpm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.packagingschool.com</a>.

CMPM Features: Exploring our Packaging Development Plan (PDP)

Kevin: Welcome, everybody! I'm your host Kevin Keigley, and with me today is one of my colleagues at the Packaging School, Anna—Anna Ogletree. I've known Anna for a little while and we've got to work together at the Packaging School, working on some different projects and that kind of thing. But over the course of time, I've learned that you have an interesting obsession. And I don't know if it's an obsession like where we need to call the Discovery Channel and have them come out for an intervention, but what we have laid out here is just a portion or part of your obsession. Can you tell us what is your obsession, Anna?&nbsp;Anna: I have an obsession with collecting foreign packages, specifically food packaging.&nbsp;Kevin: Now how did that even begin?&nbsp;Anna: I didn't really have much obsession with packaging at all until I chose it as my major for Clemson University, and after that I just got really interested in the processes of how each type of package can be designed in different ways to be unique for each brand and each product.&nbsp;Kevin: So, let's start with tabs because I think those are interesting, like they're not all the same across the world.&nbsp;Anna: If you're from the US and most parts of the world, I guess, you're probably used to seeing a can tab that looks like this—aluminum, these are all aluminum. But I've seen a trend recently where you can add color to them; it's probably through digital printing also. This one is from a Starbucks, a coffee drink.&nbsp;Kevin: I've heard of Starbucks.&nbsp;Anna: Yea, it's Starbucks green. I don’t know if that’s a brand . . .&nbsp;Kevin: Yea, I am sure it is branded.&nbsp;Anna: But this is one way that can tabs can be used in the design itself to set your product apart.&nbsp;Kevin: Yea, just another way to make that branding pop, another way to stand out from everywhere else.&nbsp;Anna: Michelob Ultra, as well as Monster energy drinks, they've got these tabs that they have a different design, they don't have the opening there; instead, they use that space to add more graphics and more of their brand.Kevin: I know on Bubly’s . . . I think they say like . . .&nbsp;&nbsp;Anna: Yeah, I have one.&nbsp;Kevin: Oh, sorry! I'm jumping ahead of you.&nbsp;Anna: Yeah, like Kevin was saying, the Bubly drinks, sparkling waters, they have different messages and different colors for each type . . .&nbsp;Kevin: . . . each flavor . . .&nbsp;Anna: each flavor . . . and they all say different forms of hello—so this says, hi you. This is a Red Bull can, I believe they're from Austria, so this might be an Austrian design, but I'm not sure. They have actually cut out the design of a bull . . .&nbsp;Kevin: . . . so, instead of printing in that space, they actually punched out their logo. Wow, so many different options. <h2>Conclusion</h2>At the Packaging School, we’re always saying the phrase “Packaging is Awesome.” And if this is not a compelling example of that, I don’t know what is! Anna’s passion for packaging is evident when looking at the vast array of food and beverage packaging she’s gathered over the years. And we couldn’t even get to all of it in this lesson—this is part one of a series investigating Anna’s collection—so stay tuned!&nbsp;In the meantime, if you want to learn more about how to approach a project with your team and leverage iterative development to build winning designs, check out our <a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-design-workflow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Packaging Design Workflow</a> course today!

Make Your Packaging Pop With Unique Metal Pull Tabs!

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<ul><li>Circular Economy: A systematic approach to minimizing waste by maximizing the resources that are already in the system.<a href="https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a></li><li>Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP): An environmental policy approach in which a producer’s responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle.<a href="https://www.oecd.org/environment/extended-producer-responsibility.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a></li><li>Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):&nbsp; A method to calculate the environmental impacts associated with a single product throughout its life cycle.<a href="https://www.greenspec.co.uk/life-cycle-assessment-lca/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1679521617493242&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qpcTm5q11xvgS1MJHJdXA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a></li><li>Biodegradable*: The biological decomposition process of carbon-based materials by microorganisms (no timeframe).<a href="https://elevatepackaging.com/blog/biodegradable-vs-compostable" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a></li><li>Compostable*: A subset of biodegradable, with measurable timeframes and specific requirements for degradation and toxicity.<a href="https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5</a></li><li>Recyclable*: Packaging that meets accepted design standards for recyclability, such as packaging with the right attributes for successful collection, sorting, and recycling in the real world.<a href="http://amcor.com/sustainability/glossary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a></li></ul> *Please note that states like California restrict products with terms such as recycle, biodegradable, and compostable. <ul><li>Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases found in the atmosphere that absorb radiation and emit heat within the thermal infrared range creating what is known as the greenhouse effect.<a href="https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7</a></li><li>Carbon Footprint: The total measure of greenhouse gases released in the atmosphere.<a href="https://www.dbs.com/digibank/in/articles/lifestyle/what-is-carbon-footprint" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a></li><li>Carbon Neutrality: Refers to a net-zero carbon footprint that is reached when the same amount of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as is removed, in turn, leaving a zero balance.<a href="https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-carbon-neutrality" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>, <a href="https://martecgroup.com/carbon-neutral-packaging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10</a>, <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/society/20190926STO62270/what-is-carbon-neutrality-and-how-can-it-be-achieved-by-2050" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">11</a>, <a href="https://unfccc.int/blog/a-beginner-s-guide-to-climate-neutrality" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12</a></li><li>Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e): The number of metric tons of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas.<a href="https://www3.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator/tool/definitions/co2e.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13</a></li><li>Post-Consumer Recycled Material (PCR): Derived from an end product such as a clear water bottle or aluminum can that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste product .<a href="https://sustainablepackaging.org/101-recycled-content-vs-recyclability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14</a>, <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/whats-the-difference-between-pre-and-post-consumer-recycled-content-4863933#:~:text=Post%2Dconsumer%20waste%20is%20preferable,scrap%20materials%20in%20various%20ways" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15</a></li><li>Post-Industrial Material: The waste generated from the original manufacturing process that is used again in the same material (e.g., scraps from the roll of aluminum when making soda cans are melted down, rolled, and the process starts again).<a href="https://sustainablepackaging.org/101-recycled-content-vs-recyclability/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">14</a>, <a href="https://www.treehugger.com/whats-the-difference-between-pre-and-post-consumer-recycled-content-4863933#:~:text=Post%2Dconsumer%20waste%20is%20preferable,scrap%20materials%20in%20various%20ways" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15</a></li><li>Resin Identification Code: Specifies what type of plastic a package or product is made from; however, it does not imply whether the package is recyclable or not.<a href="http://amcor.com/sustainability/glossary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a></li></ul> ﻿Packaging is a language—and using the vocabulary appropriately will enable you to advance your projects farther faster. The terms we’ve discussed today are just a few of the concepts you need to master and implement as you seek a sustainable path. It’s a long journey to get where we need to be, but each small step means one step closer to a better world for everyone.

Sustainable Terminology

That information does have to be printed on the package—in fact, mandatory nutritional labeling on food and beverage packaging has a multi-decade history in the United States. Traditionally, nutritional labeling is located on the back or side of food packaging, leaving ample space for branding and other important product information. However, in recent years there has been a movement both internationally and domestically to include front-of-package (often referred to as FOP) labeling systems, which would simplify complex nutritional information for the consumer to encourage healthier choices and to align with national health strategies. The FOP labeling system can take many forms; one of the most common to have been used in numerous nations in the EU is Nutri-Score, a traffic light system. Join us as we explore the origins of the movement in the US, the current status of voluntary FOP schemes in the EU, and the debate around the efficacy of FOP labeling, like Nutri-Score<h2>Origins in the US&nbsp;</h2>A <a href="http://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/fda-test-front-package-labels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">front-of-package labeling system</a> is used to provide additional nutritional information on the front of food packaging to give consumers more transparency and context around making healthier choices. The idea of a mandatory FOP labeling system for food packaging is relatively new in the US, first being introduced in the Biden/Harris administration in September of last year (2022).&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/White-House-National-Strategy-on-Hunger-Nutrition-and-Health-FINAL.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The White House National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health</a> report lays out a 5 pillar strategy in an effort to “make America truly a stronger, healthier nation.” The following are the 5 pillars guiding the White House strategy:<ol><li>Improving food access and affordability&nbsp;</li><li>Integrating nutrition and health&nbsp;</li><li>Empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices&nbsp;</li><li>Supporting physical activity for all&nbsp;</li><li>Enhancing nutrition and food security research&nbsp;</li></ol>So, which pillar do you think the development of a front-of-package labeling scheme is tied to?&nbsp;If you guessed pillar 3: Empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices, you guessed right!&nbsp;Pillar 3 contains numerous subsections. <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/White-House-National-Strategy-on-Hunger-Nutrition-and-Health-FINAL.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subsection A</a> states: “Empower consumers with updated and more accessible food labeling.” One of the actions under this section is to, “develop a front-of-package (FOP) labeling system to quickly and easily communicate nutritional information.” The report claims this system will work to help consumers, especially those with “low nutrition literacy,” understand which foods are “part of a healthy eating pattern.” In the section, the Administration mentions both “star ratings” and “traffic light” schemes as examples of FOP formats, which makes sense as they have an emphasis on quick and easy solutions. The “traffic light” system, in the form of Nutri-Score, has been used voluntarily by numerous nations since 2017, with <a href="https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2017/10/23/Industry-divided-over-traffic-light-labelling-in-Europe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mixed opinions on its efficacy</a>.&nbsp;<h2>The State of FOP Labeling in the European Union</h2>The application of front-of-package labeling systems, like Nutri-Score, was first adopted in <a href="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/en/nutri-score" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">France </a>in 2017 on a voluntary basis. <a href="https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/en/nutri-score" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nutri-Score </a>is a voluntary FOP labeling system that measures the nutritional balance of foods with a fixed quantity of 100 grams; the system uses nutrients to limit (calories, saturated fats, sugars, and salt) and those to seek (fiber, protein, nuts, fruit, and vegetables). Companies in France who desire to include a Nutri-Score label on their packaging are able to do so for free, registering on the Sante publiqué France site. The system was <a href="http://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/01/31/battle-over-food-labels-looms-as-brussels-prepares-to-make-eu-wide-decision#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20explained%20to,%2C%20France%2C%20Germany%20and%20Spain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">adopted by numerous EU nations </a>&nbsp;following its implementation in France, including Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mKTAEk1Mt5fceuX5Ycb0Yll8qE5QTvr_uuKaAqg3D1H04McrM8qhjMLnGP8Zz32e7yFfsPwYgeMaPObUwXnVbz389pfPhNxSvYJoFIhFKyGFOhGdfrKLjOMuqeDuwElGIb7nHsqgfwd8KTA9pGGhCY0"><h2>The Nutri-Score Debate in Europe</h2>As of August 2023, the use of Nutri-Score and FOP systems in the nations above are on a voluntary basis. However, there is a movement in the European Parliament for a <a href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/legislative-train/theme-a-european-green-deal/file-mandatory-front-of-pack-nutrition-labelling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">harmonized and mandatory nutrition labeling in the EU</a>, as part of “A European Green Deal,” with a focus on Nutri-Score due to its popularity in several member states.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the FDA researches the best way to go forward with an FOP system, they should look to the <a href="https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/business/countries-protest-nutri-score-labels/85966" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ongoing debate around the system in Europe</a> led by nations like Italy, Romania, Czech Republic, Greece, Latvia, and Cyprus. <a href="https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/business/countries-protest-nutri-score-labels/85966" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Many representatives and health departments in these nations</a> feel the Nutri-Score system is misleading and decisions like nutritional intake should not be relegated to a simple formula.&nbsp;A <a href="https://www.oliveoiltimes.com/business/countries-protest-nutri-score-labels/85966" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">quote</a> from Teresa Bellanova, the Italian Minister of Agriculture, states: “(An E.U.-wide food labeling system) should take into account the daily nutritional intake, be understandable without using simplistic tools like colors on packages. Diet and nutritional health concepts are much more complicated than an algorithm.”&nbsp;The Italian resentment towards the system partially stems from national staples like olive oil, hams, and cheeses often scoring “C” and below on the Nutri-Score system. Nations like Romania and Greece agree with the likes of Bellanova and are pushing for a new approach to an FOP system. The opponents of Nutri-Score also point out that the system fails to take into account the degree of food processing and additives, <a href="https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/01/31/battle-over-food-labels-looms-as-brussels-prepares-to-make-eu-wide-decision#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20explained%20to,%2C%20France%2C%20Germany%20and%20Spain" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">focusing only on the nutritional balance</a>.&nbsp;On the other hand, advocates for Nutri-Score claim the system provides a simple, quick way to help consumers determine which foods contribute to a balanced diet. Amy Bragagnini (MS, RD, CSO &amp; spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) states, “The Nutri-Score may be able to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/nutri-score-the-pros-and-cons-of-europes-food-labeling-system#What-nutrition-experts-have-to-say" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">offer folks a quick way to determine if a product would be a good fit for their family</a>.” In a world where consumers are shopping at a rapid pace, Nutri-Score labels can cut through the nutritional jargon and help any and all consumers gauge which food choices are the most balanced, especially when comparing similar food choices.Furthermore, researchers from the University of Göttingen reviewed data from a consumer survey with 1000+ German consumers which <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-news/nutri-score-the-pros-and-cons-of-europes-food-labeling-system#What-nutrition-experts-have-to-say" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">explored how Nutri-Score labels could reduce the rate at which consumers were misled by food products</a>. The study found that with products like instant cappuccino and oat drinks, the lack of FOP labels led to consumer misconception that products were healthier than reality, which was greatly reduced with the presence of a Nutri-Score label.&nbsp;It is evident that despite usage since 2017, the topic of a mandatory front-of-package labeling system is one of continuous debate. Nations like France and Germany feel the system, particularly Nutri-Score, promotes healthy eating and allows nutritional information to be understood by all consumers. And nations like Italy and Latvia feel the system is too simple, is misleading, and should be revised and not prescriptive. As the debate continues in the EU, Parliament is in the process of exploring an EU-wide mandatory system—similar to that of the Biden/Harris Administration.&nbsp;<h2>Current State of an FOP Labeling Requirement in the US</h2>As of June 2023, the FDA announced a 30-day procedural notice to conduct a study titled “<a href="http://www.regulations.gov/document/FDA-2023-N-0155-0031" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Quantitative Research on Front-of-Package Labeling on Packaged Foods</a>.” The FDA is carrying out consumer research in an effort to understand and explore the potential impact of a front-of-package labeling scheme. In the FDA’s April 2023 FOP Literature Review, they listed several general findings.&nbsp;Amongst the notable general findings are the following:&nbsp;<ul><li>“An FOP rating system or symbol can help consumers identify and select healthy food.”&nbsp;</li><li>“Consumers generally prefer simple labels (such as the ones using a summary system).”</li><li>“Some manufacturers have reformulated products following the implementation of FOP nutrition symbols; some evidence suggests increased sales of products bearing an FOP symbol.”</li></ul>It is safe to say the system is still under development, yet the FDA in the literature review alone has found the pros of an FOP system, like Nutri-Score, more appealing than the cons promoted by Italy and other EU countries.&nbsp;<h2>How To Prepare Your Business for Potential FOP Labeling Regulation&nbsp;</h2>Packaging professionals need to constantly scan the regulatory environment to ensure compliance with existing and emerging regulations. Although the FDA is still researching the best approach for a potential FOP system, it is smart to proactively research the potential impacts on your organization and packaging value chain—having your pulse on the regulatory environment to avoid potential fines is essential.

Navigating Front-of-Package Labeling Systems in the US and EU

Hi everyone! My name is Julie Suggs and I am the Academic Director for the Packaging School. While Dr. Hurley is taking a much needed vacation, I will be filling in—great to be here with you all.&nbsp;As you know, the roles and responsibilities of the folks that develop packaged goods are diverse and wide-ranging. Each member of the team has a distinct function, and each is critical to the outcome of a successful packaged product.1With all that is required, there are many stakeholders in the competitive, complex business of packaging that must be viewed as part of a great system—and that is what I am here to talk with you about today!<h3>R&amp;D</h3>R&amp;D, as you might guess, is split twofold for most companies. Research, specifically market research, unveils what consumers want, market demands, price points, and how to fill needs within the product category.<a href="https://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/research-and-development.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a> Development is focused on the conceptualization phase of the product life cycle based on the data the Market Research team has uncovered.<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042815/what-difference-between-research-and-development-and-product-development.asp#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20research%20and,existing%20products%20with%20new%20features" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a> To quote what our Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Hurley, often says: “Packaging decisions should be data driven.” This division of stakeholders is ​​tasked with constantly innovating new products and solutions and to be the first to offer these solutions to customers.<h3>Product Development</h3>Product Development takes R&amp;D one step further and moves from the conception phase in the product life cycle to the process of designing, creating, and marketing new products or existing products with new features.<a href="https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/042815/what-difference-between-research-and-development-and-product-development.asp#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20research%20and,existing%20products%20with%20new%20features" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a><h3>Packaging Professionals</h3>Packaging professionals work in tandem with product development to ensure the product makes its way to the consumer safely where it can be used, stored, and properly disposed of. While doing this, they keep the client's needs and an efficient use of raw materials in mind. Packaging focuses on structural design, and in this case, material options and form, package sealing, package graphics, etc.&nbsp; . Package testing is also conducted under various conditions by simulating real shipping and handling scenarios to ensure packaging durability.<a href="https://creopack.com/en/articles/what-is-a-packaging-engineer/#:~:text=What%20does%20a%20packaging%20engineer,machinery%20used%20for%20packaging%20operations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a><h3>Procurement</h3>The procurement department requires the proper materials and works to find suppliers with the best prices and most reliable service. It is also important to vet factories for labor and environmental compliance in order to ensure your quality standards are met.<a href="https://creativeretailpackaging.com/blog/lesson-in-procurement/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5</a><h3>Production</h3>Production is concerned with ensuring a smooth operation on existing machinery. Before finalizing a design, it is best practice to evaluate the equipment that will be producing your packaged product. This component of this stakeholder process is also responsible for establishing and executing policies, procedures, and programs that assure products are developed, manufactured, and marketed in compliance with in-house specifications and all applicable legal and regulatory agencies.<a href="https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/food-production-supervisor.cfm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a><h3>Sales</h3>Based on the production forecast and abilities, sales will push products to customers either directly or through retail / sales outlets.<h3>Marketing</h3>Marketing is the center of the traditional consumer packaged goods workflow. It establishes the target market and requests a package that fits the bill in a unique way. A product manager in marketing will be established who is responsible for the lifecycle of the product and manager of the product team, which includes development, packaging, logistics, production lead, advertising, etc.<a href="https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/articles/product/product-manager-career-path-from-consumer-products-to-technology-companies/#:~:text=After%20purchase%2C%20the%20CPG%20product,expensive%20part%20of%20the%20product" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7</a><h3>Advertising</h3>The goal of the advertising committee is to utilize media that will easily be seen by the target market to get the intended message across. This, in turn, promotes the new product and brings about awareness.<a href="https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/product-advertising" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8</a><h3>End User</h3>One of the most important stakeholders is the end-user. A project’s success is ultimately decided by the capacity of the end-user to desire, buy, and consume the final product.<a href="https://digitalmarketing.temple.edu/cfeiring/2019/07/30/end-users-the-ultimate-stakeholders/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">9</a>Overall, packaged products span across numerous departments and stakeholders that should all be involved in some capacity in the project right from the start. Each has a vested interest in improving efficiency (and the bottom line!), consumer affinity, and brand awareness.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/issue-01-9-key-stakeholders-who-can-win-better-packaging-molaba/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10</a>

Stakeholders in Packaging

Download Your Guide

The product is what dictates the specifics of your packaging, so it’s what you need to know and understand before you begin your package design. The first and most important design decision involves the packaging material, and you need to know your product first to make the right choice there.<h2>What is the nature and form of the product?</h2>The product form—whether solid, liquid, or gas—is the first and most obvious aspect that influences the choice of material used for the packaging.&nbsp;Have you measured your product beyond just weight and dimensions to understand its nature? For instance, dry products need to repel moisture, while liquids require seals to prevent leakage. Certain products react with packaging materials, such as metal, while others can only come in contact with food-grade materials.<a href="https://www.bryair.com/technical-articles/corrosion-causes-large-scale-losses-during-rust-corrosion-you-need-controlled-dry-environment/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">1</a><h2>What protection does the product need at each level of packaging?&nbsp;</h2>A package that looks great, but that doesn’t protect the product, will always be a “design fail.”<a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-10-2015-0390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>&nbsp;Some products only need general containment during transit, while some food products require a modified atmosphere.<a href="https://www.beefresearch.org/resources/product-quality/fact-sheets/beef-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3</a>&nbsp;All product components can be tested to see if it can survive the rigors of transportation&nbsp;<h2>Who is the end user of the product and how will they interact with the package?&nbsp;</h2>While a lot of focus is on the brand, Consumer packaging often comes down to preference and convenience.<a href="https://datalase.com/defining-the-5-ps-of-packaging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a>&nbsp;A parent may not think twice about a traditional gable top carton for themselves, but lean toward a resealable package for their child’s drink.&nbsp;<h2>How will the product be presented to the shopper?&nbsp;</h2>Packaging is commonly known as the silent salesperson<a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-10-2015-0390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>, but its design must achieve more than just being visually appealing; it must also effectively differentiate the product from its competitors on retail shelves.&nbsp;While retail shoppers primarily rely on package communication to inform their purchase decisions, online shoppers have established product expectations that extend beyond packaging alone. Therefore, packaging must provide an experience that exceeds their anticipated product expectations.<a href="https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-10-2015-0390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://datalase.com/defining-the-5-ps-of-packaging/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">4</a>&nbsp;<h2>What sustainability expectations exist for the packaged product?&nbsp;</h2>Consider the desired end-of-life for your product and how your packaging can effectively communicate the desired disposal behavior to customers. When selecting materials for your product and packaging, take into account viable waste streams in the country or state where the product will be sold, and determine if any Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging policies exist in those regions.&nbsp;If reducing your product's carbon footprint is a priority, then leveraging packaging can be an effective way to achieve this goal.<a href="https://epr.sustainablepackaging.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">5</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://consumerbrandsassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/ConsumerBrands_ReduceReuseConfuse.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6</a>&nbsp;Keep in mind that the best packaging material for one product may not be suitable for another. Furthermore, with the rapid pace of technological advancements, you may discover that the ideal combination of packaging materials for your product didn't even exist five years ago!&nbsp;However, by starting with a comprehensive understanding of your product, you can ultimately find the perfect material for your packaging needs.

Know Your Product First

<h2>What is SB 54?&nbsp;</h2>In June of last year, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act) into California law. According to the <a href="https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/Docs/Web/122925" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SB 54 Overview Fact Sheet</a>: “The legislation shifts the plastic pollution burden from consumers—who currently pay for landfilling and pollution clean up—to the plastics industry.”&nbsp;SB 54 is one of the United State’s most robust packaging EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) laws—containing <a href="https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/#:~:text=On%20June%2030%2C%202022%2C%20Governor,use%20plastic%20packaging%20be%20recycled" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3 ambitious goals set to be achieved by 2032.&nbsp;</a><h2>The 3 Goals of SB 54 to achieve by 2032:&nbsp;</h2><ul><li>100% of packaging in California (both imported and exported) in the state must be recyclable&nbsp;</li></ul>or compostable&nbsp;<ul><li>25% of plastic packaging be cut&nbsp;</li><li>65% of all single-use plastic packaging in the state must be recycled&nbsp;</li></ul>The California law covers “<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB54" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">covered materials</a>” including:&nbsp;<ul><li>Single-use plastic packaging that is not refilled or reused&nbsp;</li><li>Plastic single-use food-service ware (trays, plates, bowls, utensils, straws, and wraps)</li></ul>You might be wondering—what about “unavoidable” single-use plastics that currently have no viable alternative? California lawmakers considered this by claiming products that are exempt from SB 54’s statutes. Furthermore, certain small businesses will be exempt from the regulation’s statutes.&nbsp;The California law exempts the following products:&nbsp;<ul><li>Medical products / Prescription drugs&nbsp;</li><li>Drugs for animal medicines&nbsp;</li><li>Products regulated as animal drugs, biologics, parasiticides, etc.&nbsp;</li><li>Infant formula&nbsp;</li><li>Medical food&nbsp;</li><li>Fortified oral nutritional supplements for chronic medical patients&nbsp;</li><li>Packaging used to contain products regulated by Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act&nbsp;</li><li>Plastic packaging for hazardous materials&nbsp;</li><li>Packaging for flammable and hazardous products&nbsp;</li><li>Beverage containers subject to CA Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act</li><li>Packaging used for long-term storage (if product has lifespan of not less than 5 years)</li><li>Packaging under the architectural paint recovery program&nbsp;</li></ul>With SB 54, California became the fourth state to enact a packaging EPR law, joining <a href="https://www.packworld.com/news/business-intelligence/article/22871778/outlook-of-extended-producer-responsibility-legislation#:~:text=As%20of%20January%202023%2C%20packaging,and%20potentially%20adopt%20similar%20legislation." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maine, Oregon, and Colorado.</a> Earlier this year, Washington nearly became the fifth state to bring a packaging EPR law (WRAP Act) to fruition, but the act did not reach the House floor in time for a key deadline. However, many other states this year, including <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/us-recycling-policy-outlook-epr-plastic-chemical-recycling-repair/641494/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tennessee, Connecticut, and New Jersey, have announced EPR bills in development.</a> The passing and implementation of SB 54 could potentially serve as a catalyst for other states to develop their own packaging EPR laws for producers.<h2>How Does SB 54 Define “Producers”&nbsp;</h2>With the largest economy in the United States enacting a plastic packaging law impacting both imports and exports from the state, you might be wondering, will SB 54 affect my business?&nbsp;SB 54 will cover “producers” of both single-use plastic packaging and food-service ware—including the <a href="https://www.mwe.com/insights/a-brief-overview-of-californias-sb-54/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">brands involved in the manufacturing, advertising, distribution, and sales of such products.</a>&nbsp;The law covers all plastic packaging products in the “covered materials” that are both produced in the state and imported or sold into the state. This means that if you have vendors in California, they will be penalized if your product does not comply with SB 54—likely leading to the loss of a client.<h2>The Role of PROs&nbsp;</h2>The producers who fall under SB 54 will be guided by two collaborative bodies—a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and CalRecycle. Essentially, the PRO is a producer-run body responsible for creating and implementing SB 54 objectives, and CalRecycle is responsible for overseeing the PRO’s efforts.Producers who fall under SB 54 (e.g., a toy company operating in California that has plastic packaging) will be required to join the PRO by <a href="https://www.mwe.com/insights/a-brief-overview-of-californias-sb-54/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">January 1st, 2024.&nbsp;</a>Although SB 54 puts the weight on producers and brands, the PRO forces the covered brands to join together to collaborate and create an EPR program that they themselves fund and operate to ensure proper collection and recycling across the Golden state. The PRO, with oversight from CalRecycle, will serve as a vessel to advance SB 54 goals like creating a state-wide packaging EPR program, increasing recycling rates, and others. The participating producers in the PRO will pay a fee that will funnel into the <a href="https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/publications/trends/2022-2023/may-june-2023/california-tackles-plastic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">California Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund</a> for statewide initiatives related to create and maintain a circular economy for plastics. The fund ($5 billion USD) will be used to invest in projects for low-income and rural communities in the state. SB 54 not only works to increase recycling and reduce waste in the nation's largest state, but it also will provide funding to vital projects for the state’s most vulnerable communities.According to the <a href="https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/#:~:text=On%20June%2030%2C%202022%2C%20Governor,use%20plastic%20packaging%20be%20recycled" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CalRecycle SB 54 Fact Sheet</a>—“SB 54 builds a circular packaging economy.” SB 54 will mandate that producers ensure the following:<ul><li>Their products are created and marketed using recycled content&nbsp;</li><li>Their products are designed to be recycled&nbsp;</li><li>Their products are collected and effectively recycled&nbsp;</li></ul>The circular economy network that SB 54 will work to create includes but is not limited to:&nbsp;<ul><li>Retailers&nbsp;</li><li>Online Retailers&nbsp;</li><li>Consumers&nbsp;</li><li>Sorters and Processors / MRFs&nbsp;</li><li>Producers&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>The SB 54 Timeline</h2>As you can see, SB 54 has ambitious targets to achieve by 2032, with multiple milestones outlined in the <a href="https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">timeline below</a>:&nbsp;<ul><li>June 30, 2022: Governor Newsom signs SB 54&nbsp;</li><li>2023: CalRecycle to appoint members of Advisory Group&nbsp;</li><li>2024: Publish list of recyclable compostable categories + Producer PRO deadline</li><li>2025: SB 54 Regulations complete&nbsp;</li><li>2026: Publish recycling rates by Jan. 1, 2026&nbsp;</li><li>2027: CalRecycle Report SB 54 Regulations to Legislature&nbsp;</li><li>2028: 30% of plastic packaging recycled&nbsp;</li><li>2030: 40% of plastic packaging recycled&nbsp;</li><li>2032: 3 Goals of SB 54 Achieved&nbsp;</li><li class="ql-indent-1">65% of plastic packaging recycled</li><li class="ql-indent-1">25% less plastic packaging</li><li class="ql-indent-1">100% of packaging is recyclable or compostable&nbsp;</li></ul><h2>How to Prepare for SB 54’s Impact</h2>SB 54 is one of the nation’s most comprehensive EPR bills in the United States to date, and with the sheer size of California’s economy and the bill covering imports and exports, many brands will fall under its requirements. For example, a toy company based in Montana whose product line primarily consists of un-recyclable plastic toys packaged in a similar plastic material, and relies on vendors in California as a key market, would have to alter its offerings to align with SB 54 requirements or potentially lose relationships with vendors in the state.&nbsp;Brands and producers that choose not to comply with SB 54 will face massive civil penalties, including fines up to <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB54" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">$50,000 USD a day per violation</a>. Meaning brands who fall under SB 54’s reach must be familiar with the timeline, components, and alternative recyclable materials in order to ensure compliance and reduce fines.&nbsp;Here at the Packaging School, we have an array of online courses that can help you and your organization prepare for upcoming packaging laws like SB 54. Our catalog expands 30+ online courses, in a micro-learning format, covering an array of topics in the packaging industry—including courses related to sustainable packaging and regulations.&nbsp;Check out these courses to prepare your business for SB54:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-laws-and-regulations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Packaging Laws and Regulations - CPS-C10</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/sustainable-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sustainable Packaging - CPS-C11</a></li><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/polymers-in-packaging" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Polymers in Packaging - CPS-C06</a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/introduction-to-polymers-and-pet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Introduction to Polymers and PET - PTI-P01 </a>&nbsp;</li><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/pet-recycling" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">PET Recycling - PTI-P08</a></li><li><a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/bioplastics-for-packaging-with-dr-sandeep-kulkarni" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bioplastics for Packaging - ELEC-E07</a></li></ul>

Packaging Regulation of the Month: Exploring California’s SB 54

For many, October is the “let’s-scare-people-out-of-their-minds” month. And,
 typically, it’s not the visible things that frighten us most—jump scares when
 you’re least expecting to be scared are the worst. Speaking of potentially
 scary things you can’t see, some chemicals that have gotten a lot of attention
 recently are&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=The%20per%2Dand%20polyfluoroalkyl%20substances,in%20a%20variety%20of%20products."
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances</a
 >, more commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are compounds that are used to create
 fluoropolymer coatings with industrial applications like heat, oil, stain,
 grease, and water resistance. PFAS have been widely used in industry and
 consumer applications since the early 1940s.&nbsp;


 In the packaging world, PFAS are often used in paper food packaging due to
 their&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/authorized-uses-pfas-food-contact-applications"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >grease-proofing properties and ability to prevent oil and grease
 leakage.</a
 >&nbsp;For example, PFAS are often present in microwave popcorn bags, helping
 protect the paper-based packaging from grease, oil, heat, and other elements.
 Similar to other synthetic polymers, PFAS do not break down naturally in the
 environment, finding their way into our soil, drinking water, wildlife, and
 more. Due to their durability and barrier properties, the group of chemicals
 (1000+) are widespread throughout our products and industries, yet many states
 are starting to question the safety behind these “forever chemicals.”


 Despite their critical role in preserving food packaging and non-stick
 cookware, organizations like the EPA and CDC have conducted extensive research
 on the potential negative health effects related to PFAS exposure. The&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html#:~:text=The%20per%2Dand%20polyfluoroalkyl%20substances,in%20a%20variety%20of%20products."
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Center for Disease Control</a
 >&nbsp;conducted surveys that found a large percentage of the US has been
 exposed to PFAS in some way. CDC research shows that many are exposed to PFAS
 through sources like:&nbsp;

<ul>
 <li>Certain jobs (e.g., Firefighting, Chemical Manufacturing, etc.)&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Drinking water&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Fish and foods with bioaccumulated PFAS&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Soil or dust&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Breathing air polluted with PFAS</li>
 <li>Packaging containing PFAS&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

 Although the research on humans is nascent, the&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Environmental Protection Agency</a
 >&nbsp;highlights that peer-reviewed studies have uncovered that PFAS exposure
 may lead too:&nbsp;

<ul>
 <li>Reproductive effects (decreased fertility or high blood pressure)</li>
 <li>Development effects in children&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Weakened immune system</li>
 <li>Hormonal disruption&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Increased cholesterol&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Increased risk of obesity&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

 It is important to note that the research above is on a small number of common
 PFAS compounds. As previously mentioned, there are thousands of different PFAS
 compounds. Also, the research is ongoing with numerous federal agencies
 involved. The rate of exposure and its link to health effects is also being
 studied.&nbsp;&nbsp;


 Although PFAS research is still in development, many states and regulators
 have already enacted regulations around the use of PFAS in food packaging
 applications. The&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.packagingdigest.com/food-safety/unpacking-pfas-food-packaging-regulations-us?ADTRK=InformaMarkets&amp;utm_source=eloqua&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=15_NL_PKGD_Food%20%26%20Beverage_Edit_Sub_20231004&amp;sp_cid=16154&amp;utm_content=15_NL_PKGD_Food%20%26%20Beverage_Edit_Sub_20231004&amp;sp_aid=30720&amp;sp_rid=31689148&amp;sp_eh=726a02248e2d871f847ad787d3f49c33cd1d30fa98434e48ef35a82f51887adb"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >following states have or are in the process of regulating the use of PFAS
 in food packaging</a
 >.&nbsp;

<ul>
 <li>New York&nbsp;</li>
 <li>California</li>
 <li>Washington&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Vermont</li>
 <li>Connecticut&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Colorado&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Maryland&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Minnesota&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Rhode Island&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Hawaii</li>
 <li>Oregon&nbsp;</li>
 <li>Maine&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

 The following section will explore current PFAS food packaging regulations in
 the states listed above.&nbsp;

<h2>Active Laws</h2>
<h3>New York</h3>

 The first state in America to enact a law around PFAS and their use in food
 packaging was New York. On December 31, 2022, New York’s&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/124367.html"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >PFAS in Food Packaging Law</a
 >&nbsp;took effect, prohibiting the use of intentionally added PFAS in food
 packaging systems. The law covers all food packaging under the definition of
 “packages or packaging components that are intended for direct food contact
 and are comprised mainly of paper, paperboard, or other materials
 originally&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/124367.html"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >derived from plant fibers</a
 >.” The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation states
 the&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >EPA</a
 >&nbsp;studies as one of the primary motivations for the law.&nbsp;

<h3>California</h3>

 Although New York was the first state to have a PFAS food packaging law in
 effect, California signed one into law October 5, 2021 with&nbsp;<a
 href="https://dtsc.ca.gov/scp/food-packaging-containing-pfass/"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Assembly Bill (AB) 1200</a
 >. The law that took effect January 1 of this year is a response to concerns
 around “plant fiber-based food packaging containing PFAS.”&nbsp;<a
 href="https://dtsc.ca.gov/scp/food-packaging-containing-pfass/"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >AB 1200</a
 >&nbsp;bans “all plant fiber-based food packaging containing PFAS that are
 either intentionally added or present at levels exceeding 100 parts per
 million total organic fluorine.” California regulators recognized the
 potential of PFAS to negatively impact human health all throughout their life
 cycle—from the manufacturing of PFAS to end-of-life.

<h3>Washington</h3>

 The state of Washington authorized numerous bans on food packaging with
 intentional PFAS use, taking effect in February of this year. The February
 bans included plates, pizza boxes, and plastic wraps. The&nbsp;<a
 href="https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Reducing-toxic-chemicals/Addressing-priority-toxic-chemicals/PFAS/Food-packaging"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >State of Washington Department of Ecology&nbsp;</a
 >law also includes bans on bags, bowls, open-top containers, and more that
 will take place in May of 2024. Similar to the laws in California and New
 York, Washington’s law focuses on paper and plant-fiber packaging solutions as
 they are commonly treated with PFAS.&nbsp;

<h3>Vermont</h3>

 The state of Vermont also passed PFAS laws in a wider bill covering&nbsp;<a
 href="https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/033A/01672"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Chemicals of Concern in Food Packaging</a
 >. Section (a) of 1672:&nbsp;Food Packaging&nbsp;prohibits the sale
 and use of food packaging with intentionally added PFAS. The law covers
 manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors and went into effect July 1st of
 this year.&nbsp;

<h2>Laws Not in Effect&nbsp;</h2>
<h3>Connecticut&nbsp;</h3>

 Governor Lamont of&nbsp;<a
 href="https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor/News/Press-Releases/2021/07-2021/Governor-Lamont-Signs-Legislation-Banning-Use-Of-PFAS"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Connecticut</a
 >&nbsp;signed&nbsp;Public Act 21-191&nbsp;into Connecticut law in
 July 2021. The law is focused on banning the use of PFAS in firefighting foam
 and food packaging. The ban on firefighting foam became effective in October
 of 2021 and the ban on PFAS in food packaging is set to come into effect
 December 31 of this year.&nbsp;Public Act 21-191&nbsp;is part of the
 Connecticut Governor’s wider 2019 PFAS Action Plan, working to minimize the
 risk of human health effects on Connecticut citizens caused by PFAS.&nbsp;

<h3>Colorado</h3>

 The&nbsp;<a
 href="https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb22-1345"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Colorado</a
 >&nbsp;General Assembly has an act in place titled, “Perfluoroalkyl and
 Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals Consumer Protection Act,” which is set to come into
 effect January 1 of 2024. The law goes further than just food packaging,
 banning the sale of carpets, oil and gas products, and more that contain
 intentionally added PFAS. HB22-1345 also contains labeling requirements for
 cookware that require PFAS as a non-sticking agent.&nbsp;

<h3>Maryland&nbsp;</h3>

 Passed last July by the&nbsp;<a
 href="https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0275?ys=2022rs"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Maryland</a
 >&nbsp;General Assembly, the George “Walter” Taylor Act (PFAS
 Chemicals—Prohibitions and Requirements) works to prohibit the use,
 manufacturing, and sale of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, textiles, and
 direct contact food packaging. The PFAS ban will take place January 1, 2024
 and, similar to other laws, has a focus on paper- and fiber-based food
 packaging.&nbsp;

<h3>Minnesota&nbsp;</h3>

 Another PFAS law coming into effect January 1, 2024 is from&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325F.075"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Minnesota&nbsp;</a
 >&nbsp;and their 2022 statutes on Trade Regulations and Consumer Protection.
 The ban is on knowingly selling or distributing a food package that contains
 intentionally added PFAS.&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/325F.075"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >The Minnesota Legislature</a
 >&nbsp;defines “intentionally added” as “PFAS deliberately added during the
 manufacture of a product where the continued presence of PFAS is desired in
 the final package or packaging component to perform a specific function.”

<h3>Rhode Island&nbsp;</h3>

 Similar to Minnesota’s bill and timeline,&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&amp;ID=372954"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Rhode Island</a
 >&nbsp;is set to prohibit PFAS from food packaging made or sold in the state
 starting January 1, 2024. One of the sponsors of the bill, Representative
 Cortvriend, stated: “<a
 href="https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&amp;ID=372954"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >There's growing concern amongst scientists about the effects of PFAS</a
 >, enough so that the risks outweigh the benefits of having a grease-free
 paper wrapper on a cheeseburger.” The bill's focus on food packaging is due to
 the fact that consumers are exposed mainly from consuming food and water
 contaminated with PFAS.

<h3>Hawaii&nbsp;</h3>

 The state of&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessions/session2022/bills/HB1644_CD1_.HTM"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Hawaii</a
 >&nbsp;has a PFAS food packaging ban that is set to go live December 31, 2024.
 The law prohibits the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of food packaging
 that has had PFAS intentionally introduced. The bill explains that
 alternatives exist for packaging like plates, pizza boxes, and more. Similar
 to other bills, the Hawaii state legislature also banned PFAS in firefighting
 foam, a common source of PFAS exposure.&nbsp;

<h3>Oregon&nbsp;</h3>

 The next PFAS packaging regulation on the horizon is based in&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/healthyneighborhoods/toxicsubstances/pages/pfas.aspx"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Oregon</a
 >, set to take effect January 1, 2025. The bill,&nbsp;<a
 href="https://www.packaginglaw.com/news/oregon-bill-banning-pfas-food-containers-becomes-law"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >SB 543</a
 >, was signed in May of this year by Governor Kotek. The Oregon law focuses on
 prohibiting PFAS use in foodware containers. The Oregon state legislature
 defines “foodware container” as bowls, cups, lids, clamshells, and other
 takeout packaging for prepared foods. Unlike other bills, Oregon’s does not
 mention a particular focus on paper- and fiber-based packaging, instead
 focusing on food containers as a whole.&nbsp;

<h3>Maine&nbsp;</h3>

 The state of&nbsp;<a
 href="https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/32/title32sec1733.html"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Maine</a
 >&nbsp;is set to ban products and packaging sold or distributed in Maine that
 are created with intentionally added PFAS. The law is to take effect January
 1, 2030—a far longer timeline than many other states above. The Maine law also
 contains an exemption for manufacturers that have less than $1,000,000 USD in
 total annual sales nationally, meaning the bill will not fully phase out PFAS
 in food packaging in the state.&nbsp;

<h3>How to Prepare for PFAS Regulations&nbsp;</h3>

 As highlighted above, 12 US states have already developed regulations to ban
 PFAS in food packaging and other industries, with 4 of the 12 states operating
 under live laws. If you are in the business of paper- and fiber-based food
 packaging solutions, it is essential to be aware of current and emerging
 regulations around PFAS and other banned chemicals. With 12 states already
 acting on research that is not fully developed, it is possible that a
 nationwide ban could occur as new research regarding PFAS and human health is
 released.&nbsp;


 Here at the Packaging School, we have an array of online courses that can help
 you and your organization prepare for upcoming packaging laws. Our catalog
 expands 30+ online courses, in micro-learning format, covering a wide variety
 of topics in the packaging industry—including courses in packaging materials
 and a&nbsp;<a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/food-packaging"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Food Packaging Certificate</a
 >&nbsp;in development.&nbsp;

Check out these courses to prepare your business for PFAS laws:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>
 <a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-laws-and-regulations"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Packaging Laws and Regulations - CPS-C10</a
 >
 </li>
 <li>
 <a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/corrugated-containers"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Corrugated Containers - CPS-C03</a
 >&nbsp;
 </li>
 <li>
 <a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/paperboard-cartons"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Paperboard Cartons - CPS-C02</a
 >&nbsp;
 </li>
 <li>
 <a
 href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/introduction-to-corrugated-design"
 rel="noopener noreferrer"
 target="_blank"
 >Introduction to Corrugated Design - ELEC-E14</a
 >
 </li>
</ul>

Navigating PFAS Packaging Regulations in the US

Anna: Most beverage cans are going to be made of a two-piece construction. So, this is the one piece, and this is the second piece.&nbsp;Kevin: So this two-piece like this, the, I don't know what you call this section and the bottom, like, that's just punched and that is the one piece?&nbsp;Anna: Yeah.&nbsp;Kevin: Okay. And the second piece is the cap or the top.&nbsp;Anna: Yeah, so, that's the typical overall construction of a two-piece can, and they're usually made of aluminum.Kevin: Or aluminum?Anna: Yes, depending on how you want to pronounce it. They are useful in containing mostly carbonated beverages because the carbonation expands inside the container and that gives strength and stability to the otherwise flimsy material.This is steel and these two are also steel. Steel is a stronger material, and it is used for heat processed foods typically.Kevin: That was gonna be my question—what would cause someone to say aluminum over steel or steel over aluminum?&nbsp;Anna: Yeah, like I said, aluminum is sort of flimsy. So, with heat processing, that usually creates some sort of vacuum or changes the air pressure. So, that's why if you look below this hot melt adhesive . . . actually, this is cold . . . nevermind.Kevin: I'm glad you're here because I have no idea—cold melt, hot melt, patty melt . . .&nbsp;Anna: I thought this would be hot melt, but it's actually got a cold type of adhesive here.&nbsp;Kevin: So do you go into the grocery store and do this?Anna: I can neither deny nor . . .&nbsp;Kevin: Okay! So, you've been escorted out of a few grocery stores before then. Anna, we don't do that here.Anna: But the steel, these ribbings here are not just to look pretty. They're actually there so that it allows it to expand and contract with the change in air pressure when the vacuum is created. And most steel cans are going to be a three-piece construction. So, you can see the seam here. This was one sheet, and then it was made into a tube and the top and bottom were added.Anna: Another point. So this is from Mexico, made in Mexico, but you can sort of tell that it was made for the United States because this here is required by law in the United States.Kevin: So, if you want to market or peddle your goods in the US, you have to comply with US regulations. So, some of these different regions in the world, if they're wanting to enter into the beverage game in the US, they have to put that information on the cans.&nbsp;Anna: Yeah. Kevin: Okay.&nbsp;Anna: And you'll see that in different ways. Something I've noticed in lots of European packages, probably because there are so many languages packed together in that continent, they have lots of different languages, like tons of different languages [printed on the package].Kevin: And that makes sense. I mean, if there's anything that is global and everyone has experience with, it is packaging. I mean packaging is . . . it's everywhere.&nbsp;Anna, thank you for giving us the sweeping . . . and this is a very broad overview. I'm sure we could have talked for another hour about all of these different regions and the different types of cans represented here. But, for now, we hope that you all enjoyed this overview of some of the cans in different regions, how they're made, what they’re made of, and even learning a little bit about Anna's obsession. And if you see her in a grocery store, you might want to just give a little space so that you don't get pulled into her obsession and walked out of the grocery store by a manager. Not that that's ever happened. It hasn't happened.&nbsp;Anyway, check out more at packagingschool.com. There's lots that you can learn there. We've got courses for not only cans, but plastic, glass, a little bit of everything. We'll see you next time.

Why Are Cans Made Like That?

Download the Paperboard Grades Cheat Sheet

Paperboard is one of the most popular packaging formats in retail grocery. It's your silent salesperson, your first brand and product impression, the primary vehicle for consumer use, and it influences shopper behavior and decision making. But when you get down to the details, there are many differences from board to board. And when you talk with paperboard vendors, you'll notice significant price fluctuations and options across paperboard.So how do we gain certainty when designing with paperboard? An educated packaging scientist understands grades of paperboard. Understanding paperboard grades is essential. Each grade features different strengths. Most importantly, grades can fluctuate in price by up to 50%. The purpose of this lecture is to introduce you to the six most common grades, their properties, and applications you'll find in the marketplace.&nbsp;So, let's get into it.&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">1. SBS</h3>Let's start with solid bleached sulfate. The word sulfate comes from the chemical used in the kraft pulping process. It's made from virgin hardwood—premium—and usually has a mineral or a synthetic coating on the top and reverse sides. It's approved for direct food contact. The best grade for surface consistency. It has the best printability, better than average diecutting and foldability, and works well in frozen applications. It's also fairly strong. SBS is sanitary and the ideal substrate to use in aromatic products like fine teas. SBS is the most expensive substrate and is widely available in North America, Canada, and Nordic countries. You'll find SBS frequently in the average US grocery market.&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">2. SUS</h3>So take those one hundred percent virgin fibers, hold the bleach, and apply a thick printable coating to one side, and you have SUS—solid unbleached sulfate. Now, this grade is popular. It's less expensive than SBS. It's the strongest of all the grades, and it's naturally resistant to moisture. And when enhanced with some coatings, it's a winner in the fridge and freezer. You'll see SUS in many applications, but most certainly as a beverage holder. You’ve got some heavy glass bottles and paperboard in a wet environment? Better use SUS. This grade goes by many names. WestRock registered the name CNK, which is coated natural kraft. It is also called CUK—coated unbleached kraft. Whatever the name, the composition is the same.&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">3. UUK</h3>So the next grade is UUK. Everything we've discussed so far—SBS and SUS—are usually made from virgin hardwood fibers, and that's expensive.UUK is a natural grade. Both sides are brown and usually made from a blend of softwood like pine trees and hardwood. UUK may contain recycled fibers as well. The benefit of UUK is that you get a high strength at a lower cost, but if you want a crisp and bright print application, you're not gonna see that with UUK.UUK is a popular choice for heavy duty items, hardware, and even wet environments where crisp print and high cost are not really desired. You may see a 30 to 40% discount on UUK compared to SBS, so it's worthy of your consideration.&nbsp;<h3 class="font-bold">4. CRB</h3>So do you need a non-food contact, versatile board with a hundred percent recycled content? Then you need some CRB—coated recycled board, a.k.a. CCN, a.k.a. CCNB, a.k.a. Duplex, a.k.a. WLC, a.k.a. GB. Phew.&nbsp;There's a lot of variation to this grade and it's fairly low strength. But if you have a low weight item like a bag of cereal, chips, or snacks, you'll find CRB an ideal choice.<h3 class="font-bold">5. URB</h3>So do you have a need for a paperboard that isn't in plain view like a setup box or dividers? So a setup box would have a wrap around it and a coating. You can see there a material like that, or in terms of a divider, a material like this where you don't really see it, but it absolutely has a function for it. I mean, let's be honest, we don't wanna pay a lot for this. So URB—uncoated recycled board—is your pick by far. URB is the least expensive paperboard grade and most likely provides the highest value when you need it.<h3 class="font-bold">6. FBB</h3>So I've saved the most interesting paperboard grade for last—FBB—folding box board. FBB is a multi-ply grade and is made up of one or more mechanically pulp layers leveraging strength. It's sandwiched between two layers of chemical pulp, which leverages printability, smoothness, and brightness. So it's the best of both worlds. Compared to SBS, you'll sacrifice strength, but you'll gain in usability. Depending on coatings and composition, you'll see highend FBB priced competitively with SBS and up to 35% less cost for more economical grades.One thing about FBB that I think is cool is that it opens and closes so nicely—and you're not gonna see a lot of creasing and damage to your scores. It also makes a lot of sense if you're gonna be opening and closing a lot of things, and it can take a lot of premium enhancements. You can see the gloss on here. There's a nice emboss on this bandaid. It's engineered to be a great card.The goal of this lecture was to raise your awareness of the most common paperboard grades, and if you're a student of the Packaging School, you'll have access to this incredibly awesome cheat sheet that summarizes everything we've talked about plus a bunch more for quick and easy reference.Remember, packaging is a science—learn, evaluate, and test before you buy. Request samples from your vendors because they're usually free.

Paperboard Grades Crash Course

Over the past few years, six states across the country have passed Extender Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging laws in an effort to hold packaging producers accountable for their product&rsquo;s impact throughout the entirety of its lifecycle, including end-of-life.&nbsp;
The concept of <a href="https://epr.sustainablepackaging.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)</a> was created by <a href="https://packagingeurope.com/features/a-conversation-with-the-inventor-of-extended-producer-responsibility-/9416.article" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Dr. Thomas Lindquist</a>, Professor at Lund University in Sweden, back in the 1990s. EPR is an approach that turns liability towards the producers of packaging and products in regard to managing the end-of-life and other lifecycle phases associated with the packaging and products. As the <a href="https://epr.sustainablepackaging.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)</a> highlights, many EPR bills include requirements for packaging producers in their states to join a PRO&mdash;a collective body that creates and manages the implementation of a producer responsibility plan/program.&nbsp;
The following <a href="https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/extended-producer-responsibility-packaging-laws-in-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">US States</a> have passed EPR bills:
<ul>
<li>
California &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB 54</a> (Passed June 30, 2022)
</li>
<li>
Colorado &ndash; <a href="https://cdphe.colorado.gov/hm/epr-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">HB 22-1355</a> (Passed June 3, 2022)
</li>
<li>
Maine &ndash; <a href="https://www.maine.gov/dep/waste/recycle/epr.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">S2145</a> (Passed July 2021)&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Oregon &ndash; <a href="https://www.oregon.gov/deq/recycling/pages/modernizing-oregons-recycling-system.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB 582</a> (Passed August 6, 2021)
</li>
<li>
Connecticut &ndash; <a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&amp;which_year=2023&amp;bill_num=HB+6664" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">HB 6664</a> (Passed June 30, 2023)
</li>
<li>
Maryland &ndash; <a href="https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0222?ys=2023RS&amp;search=True" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB 0222</a> (Passed May 10, 2023)
</li>
</ul>
Despite having different timelines and requirements, the active EPR programs above were created with a similar goal in mind&mdash;to hold packaging producers accountable for the impact of their products throughout their lifecycle, from cradle to grave. The development of the programs above has inspired <a href="https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/news-insights/extended-producer-responsibility-packaging-laws-in-the-united-states.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">9 US states</a> to propose their own EPR programs in 2023 including Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Washington.&nbsp;
The following section will explore EPR bills introduced in the states above.&nbsp;
EPR Bills Introduced but Not Passed
Hawaii &ndash; HB 1326 vs. SB 1458&nbsp;
The state of <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/hawaii-epr-reuse-refill-plastic-packaging/648169/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Hawaii</a> is in a unique situation when it comes to their EPR journey; the state has two competing bills with differing strategies.&nbsp;
The more extensive bill, similar to programs that have passed, is <a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&amp;billnumber=1326&amp;year=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">HB 1326</a>&mdash;introduced by the House on January 25th of 2023. HB 1326 would work to establish the Hawaii Zero Waste Initiative, a program including the establishment of a Packaging Waste Advisory council which would be responsible for creating a PRO. HB 1326 also includes a requirement for the Department of Health to lead a study to understand &ldquo;the resources required to <a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&amp;billnumber=1326&amp;year=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">reduce packaging waste by 70% from the baseline amount by 2035</a>.&rdquo; The proposed bill has long term plans for an EPR program in Hawaii and relies on a PRO system like current EPR legislation that has passed in the United States thus far.&nbsp;
Going up against HB 1326 is the fund-based <a href="https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&amp;billnumber=1458&amp;year=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB 1458</a>, which was also introduced January 25th, 2023. Unlike HB 1326, SB1458 does not include the creation of a PRO and instead requires top packaging producers, defined by the law, to pay an annual fee into an Extender Producer Responsibility Special Fund that has a 5-year timeline. The proceeds collected from the special fund will be used for packaging and waste reduction programs organized at the county level. Hawaii officials are currently evaluating which of the two proposed bills aligns more with the island states unique waste management needs; as of April 2023, both bills are currently stalled and awaiting further action. However, we anticipate that one of these two bills will become Hawaii&rsquo;s EPR program in the near future.&nbsp;
Illinois &ndash; HB 2874
In February of this year, Representative Dagmara Avelar introduced the proposed <a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2874&amp;GAID=17&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=148006&amp;SessionID=112&amp;GA=103" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Packaging and Paper Products Stewardship Act</a> for the state of Illinois. HB 2874, like Hawaii&rsquo;s HB 1326, relies on the establishment of a PRO to ensure the program's success. The proposed act also requires identified producers to work with the advisory committee of the act to &ldquo;publish a list of minimum types of readily recyclable materials based on available collection and processing infrastructure and recycling markets for covered materials.&rdquo; <a href="https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2874&amp;GAID=17&amp;DocTypeID=HB&amp;LegId=148006&amp;SessionID=112&amp;GA=103" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">HB 2874</a> also requires packaging and paper products producers to create and manage waste prevention and reuse systems, including composting and consumer education programs. The last action related to the act was its re-referral to the Rules Committee on March 27th of this year.&nbsp;
Massachusetts &ndash; H.799&nbsp;
In section 2 of the proposed An Act to save recycling costs in the commonwealth (<a href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H779/BillHistory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">H.799</a>), Representative Michael S. Day lays out a plan for an EPR-adjacent program for the state of Massachusetts. Section 2 of the 36-page act is titled, Packaging Reduction and Recycling Program. This program includes a fee structure for producers who operated in the state and the power for the state to require packaging producers to change packaging designs to align with the acts provisions. Instead of titling it a &ldquo;producer responsibility organization,&rdquo; H.799 establishes a Packaging Reduction Organization which is responsible for the collection of &ldquo;packaging reduction, generation, and recycling information and fee payments.&rdquo; The proposed act is comprehensive and includes a State Comptroller audit each year to ensure efficacy. The last action related to H.799 was a joint hearing on June 14th of this year and its referral to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.&nbsp;
New Jersey &ndash; S426
On January 11, 2022, Senators Bob Smith and Richard Codey introduced a proposed act for New Jersey titled the <a href="https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2022/S426/bill-text?f=S0500&amp;n=426_I1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Packaging Product Stewardship Act</a> (S426). The proposed S426 works to require &ldquo;producers of packaging products sold in New Jersey to adopt and implement packaging product stewardship plans.&rdquo; The use of a required Packaging Product Stewardship Plan calls on producers of packaging in the state of New Jersey to work individually or as a group to draft a plan that focuses on the management, collection, reuse, and disposal of packaging products in the state and encouraging PCR content in packaging products. The act defines the term &ldquo;Packaging Product&rdquo; as &ldquo;any product or material that is designed and used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, or presentation of another product, including, but not limited to, a food or beverage item, that is sold, offered for sale, imported, or distributed in the State.&rdquo; The proposed act has been dormant since its introduction in early 2022, however, as other states act, like New Jersey&rsquo;s neighbor, <a href="https://www.wastedive.com/news/maryland-governor-signs-epr-organics-and-electric-vehicle-laws/649929/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Maryland</a>, recently did in May of this year, it could encourage the Garden state to bring S426 back to the table.&nbsp;
New York &ndash; SB S1064
On January 9th of this year, New York State Senator Rachel May introduced <a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S1064#:~:text=2023%2DS1064%20(ACTIVE)%20%2D%20Summary,establishes%20the%20packaging%20responsibility%20fund." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB S1064</a>. SB S1064 is titled the Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Packaging and requires producers of packaging in the state to create and manage the implementation of a Producer Responsibility Program Plan (either solo or collectively) which includes &ldquo;a list of the types and brands of packaging products included in the plan; the methods by which the producer will achieve minimum post-consumer content rates, recovery rates and recycling rate&rdquo; and more. Similar to Illinois, the proposed bill includes a PRO-adjacent system with a different title. The latest action related to SB S1064 is its referral to the Environmental Conservation Committee in January of this year.
North Carolina &ndash; HB 279
On March 6th of this year, Representatives Butler and Harrison introduced <a href="https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2023/H279" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">HB 279</a> to the General Assembly of North Carolina. HB 279 is titled An Act to Establish Extended Producer Responsibility for Certain Producers of Products Using Packaging Materials and to Ban the Manufacture and Distribution of Packaging Materials Containing Certain Toxic Substances in Order to Protect Public Health. The act calls for all registered &ldquo;Responsible Producers&rdquo; to join or establish a Producer Responsibility Organization that operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The PROs are responsible for drafting and seeking approval of &ldquo;Stewardship Plans.&rdquo; The proposed legislation also lays out requirements for &ldquo;Non-Reusable Packaging Reduction&rdquo;&mdash;including a reduction of 40% of material 8 years after approval of a stewardship plan. The <a href="https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2023/H279" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">latest action</a> related to HB 279 was its referral to the Commission on Rules, Calendar, and Operations Committee on March 7th of this year.&nbsp;
Rhode Island &ndash; SB 200
Numerous Rhode Island state Senators, including the likes of Senator Valverde and Senator Gu, introduced <a href="http://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText23/SenateText23/S0200.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">SB 200</a> on February 16th, 2023. The proposed act is titled, An Act Relating to Health and Safety -- Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging. SB 200 calls for the General Assembly of Rhode Island to add a chapter, Chapter 99, to SECTION 1. Title 23 of the General Laws Entitled &ldquo;HEALTH AND SAFETY.&rdquo; The proposed chapter works to establish a Packaging Reduction and Recycling Program in which identified packaging producers will pay a fee based on the quantity and type of packaging materials produced, distributed, or sold into the state. The structure of the act is similar to that of <a href="https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H779/BillHistory" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Massachusetts&rsquo;s H.799</a>, in which the state establishes a non-profit organization to organize and manage the collection of fees and information related to &ldquo;packaging reduction, generation, and recycling.&rdquo; The latest action related to SB 200 was its referral to the Environment and Agriculture Committee.&nbsp;
Tennessee &ndash; HB 0550&nbsp;
On January 25th of this year, Tennessee state Senator Heidi Cambell introduced a proposed act called the <a href="https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0550&amp;ga=113#:~:text=Recycling%20%2D%20As%20introduced%2C%20enacts%20the,Title%2067%20and%20Title%2068." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Tennessee Waste Reduction and Recycling Act</a>, HB 0550. The act, similar to others, calls for identified packaging producers to establish PROs to reduce packaging waste and enhance statewide recycling systems. The proposed HB 0550 (also SB573) also calls for the appointment of a <a href="https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/tn-bill-aims-to-cut-packaging-waste-fund-recycling/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Producer Responsibility Advisory Board</a>, consisting of 13 members across various stakeholder groups to be appointed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). One of the main motivations behind the bill is to boost in-state recycling systems, as a survey conducted by the TDEC in 2018 revealed that <a href="https://www.greenbiz.com/article/state-tennessees-circular-economy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">41% of the 300 industries surveyed have their materials recycled outside of the state</a>. The latest action related to HB 0550 was sponsors being added on March 9th of this year.&nbsp;
Washington &ndash; HB 1131
On January 5th, 2023, numerous representatives introduced <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1131&amp;Year=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">An Act Relating to Improving Washington's Solid Waste Management Outcomes</a> (HB 1131). Since the proposed bill was introduced, it has had 2 substitute bills, with the second introduced February 23rd. Similar to other proposed EPR bills, HB 1131 calls for identified producers to join a PRO, furthermore this bill calls for all PROs to submit a coordination plan to align efforts and programs. According to the bill&rsquo;s text, HB 1131 will help the state meet its goal of a 50% statewide recycling rate that was established in 1989, and which is currently not being met. HB 1131 also highlights that many in Washington do not have access to affordable curbside recycling, and the hope is that the bill and PROs will help expand curbside systems in the state. The latest action related to HB 1131 was the <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1131&amp;Year=2023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Second Substitute</a> version being returned to the Rules Committee for a second reading on March 13th, 2023.&nbsp;
How to Prepare to Upcoming EPR Requirements&nbsp;
With 6 EPR bills that have been approved and 9 states with bills in numerous and varying stages, it is paramount to understand the concept of EPR as a whole and which potential bills could impact your organization.&nbsp;
Emerging packaging regulations can be dense and overwhelming, yet having a firm grasp of the current and proposed regulations can help ensure your organization is compliant in order to avoid unnecessary fines related to operations in the markets above.&nbsp;
Here at the <a href="https://packagingschool.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Packaging School</a>, we offer an array of online courses and certificate programs that can help you and your organization boost your packaging IQ and prepare for emerging packaging regulations.
Check out these courses to prepare your business for EPR laws:&nbsp;
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<a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-laws-and-regulations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Packaging Laws and Regulations - CPS-C10</a>
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<a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/sustainable-packaging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Sustainable Packaging - CPS-C11</a>
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<a href="https://packagingschool.com/courses/packaging-foundations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Packaging Foundations - CPS-C01</a>
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