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Sustainability Legislation Drives Packaging Innovation

Regulations and pacts are changing the landscape for packaging innovation, from groups as large as the United Nations and down to the state and municipal level.

Circular packaging is gaining momentum, in part due to initiatives like the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan.
Circular packaging is gaining momentum, in part due to initiatives like the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan.
PMMI Business Intelligence, 2022 Future of Packaging and Sustainability

Global sustainability legislation drives the packaging industry's current landscape and future outlook.

In PMMI Business Intelligence’s 2022 report, “Future of Packaging and Sustainability,” PMMI researchers compiled a list of key legislation that changes how the packaging industry approaches production, lifespan, and waste management.

Sustainability Legislation to Reduce Plastic Waste

Plastic is the most regulated of all packaging materials, with several laws enacted in hopes to prevent it from becoming waste.

California’s Assembly Bill 793, signed into law in September 2020 and dubbed the “Bottle Bill,” requires post-consumer recycled (PCR) content standards for plastic beverage containers subject to the California Refund Value (CRV).Plastic regulations aim to limit waste.Plastic regulations aim to limit waste.PMMI Business Intelligence, 2022 Future of Packaging and Sustainability

The Bottle Bill required these bottles be made with 15% recycled content by 2022 and, eventually, 50% recycled content by 2030.

“As an industry overall, there is definitely more momentum to use more PCR and find more sustainable solutions,” says one global packaging development lead at a packaging materials manufacturer. Though PCR is not their only focus, as they add, “Our primary effort is optimizing [i.e., eliminating and/or reducing] packaging.”

Maine and Oregon became the first two US states to introduce extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation for plastic packaging in 2021. These laws shift the responsibility of packaging waste management to producers rather than municipalities or individuals.

Proteins Innovations Report
Discover cutting-edge protein packaging innovations from PACK EXPO International 2024! Our editorial team spotlights hygienic equipment and materials designed for the demanding protein sector. From IP66-rated washdown systems and all-servo chub packaging to advanced auto-bagging technology and compostable trays replacing EPS, this report reveals how manufacturers are addressing clean, safe design while improving efficiency.
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Proteins Innovations Report
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Break out of the ordinary: see what’s new in food packaging & processing