Start 2025 Right: Navigate Packaging Regulations with Adept Group
As 2025 begins, the packaging industry is entering an essential year of regulatory changes and sustainability mandates. From Europe’s recycling targets to state-led Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in the United States, the need for compliance alongside innovation have never been more important in the packaging industry.
At Adept Group, we recognize that starting the year prepared is essential. Our extensive expertise in packaging optimization and regulatory compliance in conjunction with our guidance makes us the partner you need to confidently tackle the challenges and opportunities of 2025.
A New Era of Packaging Regulations
In the US, the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. As of January 2025, several states are at different stages of implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging.
- California has enacted comprehensive EPR legislation targeting packaging materials. California has also appointed the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as its Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to oversee compliance with its EPR legislation. The PRO, CAA is responsible for ensuring that producers comply with the law's mandates, which include making 100% of packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032, achieving a 25% reduction in plastic packaging, and recycling 65% of all single-use plastic packaging.1
- In Colorado, producers were required to register with the CAA by October 1, 2024, with reporting set to begin in August 2025, unless they intended to submit an individual program plan. The state is in the process of developing regulatory programs to support EPR implementation.2
- Oregon is progressing with its EPR program, with producers expected to pre-register and submit data on covered products by March 31, 2025. Producers are required to comply with the state's EPR requirements, either by joining a PRO or through individual compliance efforts.3
Looking ahead, alongside Washington’s post-consumer content requirements, is the preparation for the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, which mandates the transition from traditional 1D barcodes to 2D barcodes on all products by the end of 2027. This shift aims to enhance product information storage, increase scanning accuracy, and streamline logistics processes.4
In the EU, 2025 marks a critical milestone for achieving key targets under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD). By now, businesses must ensure that a significant portion of their packaging materials are recyclable or reusable, with strict recycling quotas for plastics and paper. Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) are also becoming mandatory across many member states, transforming how packaging waste is managed.5
These regulations not only demand compliance but also create opportunities for businesses to innovate, streamline, and enhance their packaging implementation.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs Launching in 2025:
- Oregon: The Recycling Modernization Act requires producers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their packaging. Key deadlines include a March 31, 2025, reporting requirement for data covering the 2024 calendar year, and producer fee obligations beginning July 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance recycling systems, reduce environmental impact, and shift the financial responsibility of waste management from taxpayers to producers.
- Minnesota: The state has adopted an EPR law with a phased implementation, starting with the appointment of a producer responsibility organization by January 1, 2025, and producers covering a percentage of recycling costs beginning in 2029. By 2032, all packaging, food packaging, and paper products in Minnesota must be reusable, recyclable, compostable, or managed through an approved alternative collection system.
The Cost of Falling Behind
Non-compliance with the EPR Packaging Laws carries significant consequences, including steep fines and potential bans on product sales in certain regions. In California, for example, violations of SB 54 can result in fines of up to $50,000 per infraction.6 Oregon's EPR program will also impose fees on producers who fail to meet reporting and financial obligations.
Take note that the financial risks are only part of the equation. Today’s consumers expect brands to prioritize sustainability and falling short can lead to reputational damage that’s hard to recover from.
Why Adept Group Is Your 2025 Partner
At Adept Group, we know that navigating this complex regulatory landscape requires more than just awareness, it demands swift and strategic action. Our team is uniquely equipped to help your business:
- Stay Ahead of Regulatory Deadlines: We monitor and interpret evolving regulations to ensure your packaging remains compliant.
- Redesign for Sustainability: From lightweighting to alternative materials, we help you optimize packaging for both performance and compliance.
- Streamline EPR Compliance: Our experts guide you through registration, reporting, and fee structures to avoid costly penalties.
- Align Sustainability with Cost Savings: We uncover opportunities to reduce costs while meeting environmental goals, ensuring compliance adds value vs. expense.
Start 2025 with Confidence
The packaging industry is entering a turning point in 2025, from regulatory compliance to consumer expectations. Businesses that embrace these changes as opportunities will not only meet regulatory requirements but also strengthen their market position. With Adept Group, you gain a trusted partner who understands the complexity of packaging regulations and delivers solutions that drive success.
Let’s make 2025 your most compliant and innovative year yet. Contact us today to start the year with a strong plan for navigating packaging regulations.
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