511 - Market Update Q3 2025

Summary: Polystyrene Foam Materials Legislation Over 15 U.S. states have enacted bans on polystyrene food containers, signaling a major industry shift toward compostable and recyclable packaging, with growing regulatory pressure on manufacturers through EPR laws.

As of June 2025, several U.S. states have enacted bans on polystyrene foam food containers due to environmental and health concerns. These bans are part of a broader legislative shift toward reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives in foodservice packaging. In addition to outright bans, many states are advancing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which holds manufacturers accountable for the entire lifecycle of packaging materials, including collection, recycling, and disposal.

California: As of January 1, 2025, banned the use of most polystyrene foam food containers under the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB54). Oregon: Effective January 1, 2025, banned the production, sale, and distribution of polystyrene foam cups and takeout food containers. Rhode Island: Implemented a ban on January 1, 2025, prohibiting the use of disposable polystyrene serviceware for prepared food. Delaware: Ban effective July 1, 2025, prohibiting restaurants and other food service establishments from providing polystyrene foam containers for ready-to-eat food or beverages. Virginia: Enacted a ban to be implemented in two phases: July 2025 for larger businesses and July 2026 for businesses with fewer than 20 locations. Hawaii: While not a statewide ban, all counties except Kalawao have enacted bans on polystyrene food containers, effectively creating a de facto statewide prohibition. District of Columbia: Banned polystyrene foam takeout containers on January 1, 2016, with an expansion on January 1, 2021, to include the retail sale of polystyrene foam. American Samoa: Banned the import, sale, and distribution of polystyrene foam containers on February 6, 2024, with the law taking effect 60 days later. These bans reflect a growing trend toward reducing single-use plastics and encouraging environmentally friendly alternatives in the food service industry. (Deschutes)

Below is a list of states with current or upcoming statewide bans:

Maryland: Implemented a statewide ban on expanded polystyrene food service products effective October 1, 2020. Maine: Became the first state to pass a ban in 2019, with the law taking effect on July 1, 2021. Vermont: Enacted a ban effective July 1, 2021, prohibiting the use of polystyrene food containers. New York: Implemented a ban on January 1, 2022, covering single-use foam food and beverage containers and loose fill packaging. New Jersey: The "Get Past Plastic" law took effect on May 4, 2022, banning polystyrene foam food service products. Colorado: Ban effective January 1, 2024, prohibiting the use of polystyrene food containers. Washington: Implemented a ban starting June 1, 2024, making it illegal to sell or distribute polystyrene foam containers, including clamshells, plates, bowls, cups, trays, and coolers.

Learn more about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Legislation here.

Q3 2025 Market Update

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