The global packaging waste problem has reached unprecedented levels, with a global production of 141 million tonnes of plastic packaging a year according to WRAP1. The sheer volume and persistence of packaging waste demand urgent action from all stakeholders involved in the packaging value chain. Manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, and consumers must collaborate to innovate and implement sustainable solutions that minimize waste and promote recycling.
EPR legislation on the rise: How global and U.S. policies are evolving
At an increasing rate, many countries and U.S. states are planning to implement—or have already implemented—regulations that shift a significant portion of recycling and waste management costs onto the companies that originally produced the packaging. From January to May 2025, twelve U.S. states introduced EPR bills in the hope they will become laws, and there are now a total of seven states that have passed EPR laws.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a growing concept that seeks to enhance waste management and sustainability by placing responsibility on producers for the end-of-life management of the packaging they produce.
This is a significant change from traditional waste and recycling management, in which local governments and private waste companies have tended to bear the responsibility.
EPR requires that producers—such as manufacturers, brand owners, and importers—take responsibility for the disposal and recycling management of their packaging at the end of its lifecycle by fully or partially covering the costs. This responsibility may also include educating consumers and improving waste management infrastructure. The goal is to encourage producers to design more sustainable packaging, reduce packaging waste, and ensure that more materials are recycled or properly disposed.
EPR eco-modulation driving packaging material changes
Eco-modulation, often included in the fee structure of EPR programs, is designed to incentivize brand owners to adopt more sustainable packaging practices. The concept of eco-modulation involves adjusting EPR fees based on various criteria that may include:
- Recyclability
- Compostabililty
- Recycled content
- Overall environmental impact of the packaging materials
In practice, many eco-modulation fees work by charging higher rates for packaging that is difficult to recycle or that has a significant environmental footprint, while offering lower fees for packaging that is easily recyclable and that has a reduced environmental impact. For example, packaging materials that can be efficiently recycled, such as certain types of plastic, paper, and aluminum, may incur lower fees than materials that disrupt the recycling process, like multi-layered plastics. This fee structure creates a financial incentive for brand owners to implement new packaging types.
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How packaging producers are managing EPR
Many packaging producers are actively preparing for EPR regulations by joining a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) such as Circular Action Alliance (CAA), gathering detailed packaging data for PRO reporting, and exploring future product designs to reduce fees.
A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is an entity that helps producers meet their EPR obligations by managing the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste on their behalf. By joining a PRO, packaging producers can meet the legal requirements for EPR regulations, streamline their reporting processes, and contribute to a more sustainable packaging ecosystem.
Collecting accurate packaging data is important for producers to:
- Provide the required information to PROs to fulfill reporting obligations to government agencies.
- Avoid the overpayment of fees that may result from over-generalizing data.
- Make informed decisions about packaging design and materials.
- Forecast future EPR fees and identify potential cost-saving measures.
This data includes information about the types and weights of packaging materials used, as well as attributes such as recyclability and the use of recycled content. By centralizing this data, producers can better manage their EPR responsibilities and work towards reducing their overall environmental footprint.
How does changing packaging material impact marking and coding?
As packaging producers transition to packaging materials that help reduce EPR fees and improve the sustainability aspects of packaging in alignment with eco-modulation, the marking and coding solution used on the previous material may no longer be the best solution.
Each packaging material, especially plastic film, is unique and reacts differently to various marking and coding technologies. This makes testing critical to identify the optimal ink, settings, or alternative coding solution for your operation. Involve your marking and coding partners as early as possible when making material changes.
Technologies such as continuous inkjet printing can help future-proof package coding operations by offering an array of ink solutions designed to print on various packaging materials.
Partnering with the right marking and coding solution provider is essential to make sure your current printing technologies can support new and evolving packaging requirements. Videojet, with its extensive expertise in marking and coding across the full range of packaging materials, provides flexible solutions that are compatible with innovative materials, including lightweight plastics and substrates designed to improve recyclability and compostability.
- Continuous inkjet (CIJ)
- Thermal inkjet (TIJ)
- Thermal transfer overprinters (TTO)
- Laser marking systems
- Large character marking systems
These solutions make it possible to print high-quality barcodes, 2D codes, and other variable data to support product traceability, compliance, and readability throughout the supply chain. Additionally, Videojet CLARiSUITE® solutions streamline data management for all coding technologies, helping to reduce coding errors and minimize downtime during product changeovers.
As EPR regulations reshape the packaging industry, Videojet works closely with packaging manufacturers and converters to adapt to these changes. By developing solutions that are compatible with new, sustainable materials, Videojet helps you prepare for the future while taking the guesswork out of compliance. Let us handle the complexities so you can stay focused on running your business with confidence.
Additional reading
Videojet: Navigating the Waters of Sustainability in Packaging and Labeling
Videojet: Printing Ink’s Potential Impact on Recycling of Product Packaging
