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The U.S. Plastics Pact (USPP) on Wednesday released its first-ever policy position paper on Extended Producer Responsibility<\/a> (EPR), offering what it calls \u201ca clear, consensus-built\u201d framework to guide policymakers as states consider EPR legislation for plastic packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDeveloped through extensive engagement across the entire packaging value chain, the paper outlines six key policy levers that support effective, equitable, and implementable EPR programs,\u201d USPP said in a statement.<\/p>\n The paper reflects months of work by brands, retailers, manufacturers, recyclers, NGOs, government entities, and technical experts. It draws on a value-chain survey, a hybrid workshop on EPR fundamentals, and multiple rounds of review by U.S. Plastics Pact members (called \u201cActivators\u201d), whose feedback shaped the final guidance.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no shortage of EPR guidance in the marketplace \u2014 but what makes this one different is the process behind it,\u201d said Megan O\u2019Brien, program manager for reporting and special projects at the USPP<\/strong>. \u201cThis paper reflects genuine consensus across stakeholders who don\u2019t always come to the table with the same priorities. Its value is that the Pact has already navigated the hard conversations, giving policymakers a credible, balanced foundation to build from.\u201d<\/p>\n The position paper identifies six policy levers \u2014 Funding Model, Funding System Design, Fee-Setting & Eco-modulation, Performance Targets, Responsible End Markets, and Covered Materials \u2014 that states can use to build structured, harmonized EPR systems while retaining flexibility to address local infrastructure, data, and market realities.\u00a0<\/p>\n Drawing on USPP\u2019s Roadmap 2.0 and widely recognized guidance from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the paper emphasizes clear definitions, transparent and responsible end-market criteria, achievable initial requirements, and mechanisms to increase ambition over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cDeveloping the U.S. Plastics Pact\u2019s EPR position paper was a collaborative process that brought in valuable perspectives from the public, private, and non-profit sectors on what representatives would like to see out of the future EPR programs,\u201d said Preston Peck, Senior Sustainability Analyst with the City of Tacoma, Washington<\/strong>. \u201cWe hope that this document can provide legislators and advocates with guidance on best practices, lessons learned, and other policy considerations from Pact members\u2019 experience with EPR policy development and implementation across the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs a global packaging company, we see firsthand how fragmented approaches can hold back progress,\u201d said Robert Flores, Vice President of Sustainability Operations and Advocacy – Americas at Amcor<\/strong>. \u201cEPR works best when every part of the value chain is engaged and contributing to balanced outcomes that are sustainable long-term.\u201d<\/p>\n The position paper underscores the link between supply-side EPR obligations and demand-side policies needed to strengthen post-consumer recycled content<\/a> (PCR) markets \u2014 a critical element of a functioning circular system.\u00a0<\/p>\n The full EPR policy position paper is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n