More States Enacting Legislation On Extended Producer Responsibility BY CHASE KAMMERER Discussions and policymaking regarding extended pro- ducer responsibility (EPR) for packaging have grown in the United States for the last few years. There are well-estab- lished EPR regulations for packaging in other regions, par- ticularly in the European Union and Canada. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environ- mental policy approach that extends a producer's respon- sibility for a product to the post-consumer state of a prod- uct's life cycle. Packaging producers would need to provide funding and services that assist in managing all packaging types, paper products, and beverage containers after the use phase. Packaging means any material intended for single or short-term use used for the containment, protec- tion, handling, or delivery of products to a consumer at the point of sale, including through the internet. Organizations and policymakers increasingly point to effective EPR as a necessary component of a compre- hensive approach to addressing recycling challenges and concerns over single-use product pollution. But, while EPR programs can be an effective solution for products that are difficult to collect or process or have low recycling rates, those don't apply to paper-based packaging. The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has been working to share information with policymakers about EPR programs; to help them understand the oppor- tunities and consequences of their policy decisions. And there has been good news. The corrugated pack- aging industry has long been committed to an effective and efficient system for recycling. With an OCC recycling rate hovering around 90 percent for the last decade, state legislatures do not include corrugated in some of the most recent bills passed. The states of Washington, Maine, Oregon, Colorado, and California have each enacted legislation for packag- ing and printing paper EPR. Below are all legislation that has passed since 2021. With California on track to become the fourth largest economy in the world, it might be a good idea to know legislative moves made in that state. • Passed – Washington State Bill Concerning the man- agement of certain materials to support recycling and waste and litter reduction • Passed – California Solid waste: reporting, packaging, and plastic food service ware • Passed – Colorado Producer Responsibility Program For Recycling • Passed – Oregon Bill Relating to modernizing Oregon's recycling system • Passed – Maine An Act To Support and Improve Mu- nicipal Recycling Programs and Save Taxpayer Money Chase Kammerer is the Technical Services Manager at the Fibre Box Association.
Board Converting NEWS INTERNET DIRECTORY
ARC INTERNATIONAL www.ARCInternational.com
ARC International is a world leader in the manufacturing of roller products for flexography. The latest nano-technology laser engraving in our NC and NV manufacturing facilities ensures superior quality and consistency in anilox rollers.
AES (ADVANCED EQUIPMENT SALES) www.aesales.net
AES is a leading full-service provider of integrated convey- ance systems specializing in scrap, trim, and dust. AES en- gineers custom scrap systems and works as a partner in process improvement to help businesses achieve greater profitability, productivity, and sustainability. Products include balers, shredders/hoggers, core shredders, filters, fans, and specialized dust control and collection systems. AES is the ex- clusive distributor for the AirShark Rotary Material Separator. For a wide variety of new and used equipment on to- day’s market, visit our website at www.acm-corp.com. BAUMER HHS CORPORATION www.baumerhhs.com hhs is a global leader in advanced gluing, camera verifica- tion and quality assurance systems for the packaging indus- try. Zero-defect quality and elevated production speeds are key parameters in the manufacturing of corrugated boxes. With hhs Xcam Box Monitoring and non-contact flap gluing of corrugated board, hhs offers every option for quality as- surance in the production of boxes with flexo folder gluers. AMERICAN CORRUGATED MACHINE www.acm-corp.com BLOWER APPLICATION COMPANY (BLOAPCO) www.BloApCo.com BloApCo has served the corrugated industry since 1933 with a variety of scrap handling solutions, including Hori- zontal Floor Shredders, Trim Cutters, and Material Handling Fans and Conveying Systems. BloApCo Shredders allow for continuous shredding and pneumatic removal of sheet waste stacks of all sizes, roll slab, cores, and carton scrap.
CORRUGATED MACHINERY SPECIALISTS www.cmsretrofits.com
Leading manufacturer and installer of quality retrofits, up- grades and replacement parts for S&S and Prime Flexo Folder Gluers. Specialists in reconditioning of S&S Flexo Folder Gluers, including ink, air and electrical systems.
CORRUGATOR BELT SERVICE LLC www.corrugator.com
Serving the corrugated box industry since 1991, Chicago- based Corrugator Belt Service LLC maintains corru- gator belts for peak board quality and performance.
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March 27, 2023
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