Specright, a leader in Specification Management software, recently announced the formation of the Sustainable Packaging Data Council, a new collective with the goal of harmonizing data to impact packaging sustainability.
“Companies today are challenged with collecting and reporting on sustainability data to meet evolving regulatory requirements, here in the U.S. and globally,” Specright says. “Oftentimes, the challenge stems from not having a clear understanding of reporting requirements or full access to packaging data, particularly from suppliers.”
The newly formed Sustainable Packaging Data Council aims to create templates of data requirements for Reporting Entities/Brand Owners that will guide the packaging supply chain in meeting expectations and enhancing awareness and quality of information for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
“Sustainability initiatives are more than checking a regulatory box. There is a shared responsibility of all companies to do better for the planet, and we’re establishing this council to empower them to do just that,” said Matthew Wright, Specright Founder and Executive Chairman. “Through this collaborative effort, companies cannot only work together on this common goal, but ultimately will spend less time chasing data and more time innovating and driving true impact.”
Founding members include leading retailers and brands like Costco, Tyson Foods, Central Garden & Pet, Sonoco, Atlantic Packaging, technology partners, like Lorax EPI and Trayak, sustainable packaging non-profits, like How2Recycle, industry analysts, and academia programs like Michigan State University. Specright serves as the council host and technology partner in building the templates.
“Being part of the Sustainable Packaging Data Council has proven the power of involving the whole value chain,” said Caroline DeLoach, Director of Sustainability, Atlantic Packaging. “As we discussed the minutiae of the data requirements for EPR reporting, we drilled down into what data are truly necessary for effective EPR in a way that could only be done by representatives across the entire supply chain. If we can help others collect more complete and better data, we will necessarily make packaging EPR more effective.”
The Council has been meeting weekly in 2025 for collaborative discussions and ultimately aligning on its first deliverable—reporting attributes for Oregon’s EPR reporting requirements, which is now in a downloadable template. The Council will continue to develop future templates for other U.S.-based EPR regulations, as well as align and share best practices around data collection.
