07/24/2026
Packaging decisions made this year will shape compliance costs and market access for the rest of the decade. This is where the Western U.S. landscape stands in mid 2026:
* EPR fees are being collected in Oregon and Colorado today, with California program fees targeted to begin January 2027.
* PCR minimums are in effect in CA, CT, ME, NJ and WA, set by specific product category in California and Washington.
* By 2032, SB 54 requires covered material sold in California to be recyclable or compostable, alongside source reduction and recycling targets.
* And labeling is in flux: on July 14, a federal court preliminarily blocked enforcement of SB 343 while that case proceeds.
What ties these together is that they are all decided at the structure level. Whether a laminate is recycle-ready, how much PCR a film can carry while holding its seal and barrier performance, how a format reads against the material characterization data. These are the inputs to fee exposure, PCR compliance, and labeling eligibility alike.
That is where we spend our days. Working side by side with customers and brand owners, we are committed to helping our customers achieve the best business outcome.
The regulatory picture will keep evolving, and we will keep tracking it so our customers can plan with confidence. Wherever you are in that process, we are glad to help you get there.
