Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is an environmental initiative that has been enforced in the paint, battery, and pharmaceutical industries for years. But now, there’s a push to extend EPR to packaging, specifically for plastic and single-use plastics. The goal of this initiative is to move responsibility for the end-of-life of packaging to the producer rather than the consumer. If you’re heavily reliant on plastic packaging, this blog will show you how EPR may affect your business — and why it could be beneficial to switch to corrugated packaging*.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging?

As mentioned above, extended producer responsibility for packaging is supposed to encourage producers to design packaging with waste reduction and sustainability in mind. As a result, this initiative will help the U.S. move to a more environmentally friendly, circular economy. At the time of this writing, 12 states have introduced legislation on EPR for packaging, and seven EPR for packaging bills have been passed in the U.S.

Corrugated packaging companies like Jamestown Container have been at the forefront of sustainability for decades. We operate within a well-established circular economy model that prioritizes resource efficiency, recyclability, and renewability. Recovery rates in the corrugated industry are consistently above 90% in the U.S., making corrugated packaging one of the most successfully recycled materials in the marketplace. The industry relies heavily on recovered fiber to produce new packaging. On average, corrugated boxes contain over 50% of recycled content. This closed-loop system reduces waste, minimizes reliance on virgin paper resources, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain.

As brands look to adopt Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives and meet evolving regulatory and consumer expectations, corrugated packaging manufacturers stand out as essential partners and subject matter experts. Corrugated companies bring decades of experience in efficient material use, recovery infrastructure, and lifecycle analysis. They can offer guidance on designing packaging with end-of-life recovery in mind, optimizing recyclability, and complying with EPR legislation. By leveraging the insights and infrastructure of the corrugated industry, brands can confidently move toward more sustainable packaging strategies while fulfilling their environmental commitments.

Most EPR programs require packaging producers to join a collective Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). As a packaging producer, you’d pay a PRO fee. The PRO then distributes the funds to cover the costs of end-of-life waste reduction required by your state’s EPR legislation. Part of those costs provide funding for the collection, sorting, and processing of packaging products after consumer use.

The most recognizable PRO right now is the Circular Action Alliance (CAA). It was founded by 20 major brands, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, General Mills, Walmart, Target, and P&G. The CAA is the only approved PRO to implement EPR for plastic packaging and paper in the U.S.

Common Questions About Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging

What Do We Know About EPR Fees?

EPR fees are subject to change. At the time of writing, we know that fees are based on the type and amount of packaging sold into a regulated state. The PRO takes into account recyclability, reusability, and other factors when determining fees and credits. It’s expected that flexible films will be subject to some of the highest fees.

How Much Will EPR Fees Be?

Fees imposed on the producers (to cover the cost of the EPR program) are expected to be fractions of a penny per unit. Additionally, most states have proposed small business exemptions. The exact numbers are determined by the government.

Businesses can receive credits based on a few requirements. According to SB 54 (Allen, Chapter 75, Statues of 2022), signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, this includes:

  • Source and size reduction/optimization
  • Standardization
  • Post-recycled content percentages
  • Renewable and/or certified compostable materials
  • Labeling designed to improve consumer behavior related to sorting and proper disposal.

Of course, California laws may not be applicable to all states. Other states may follow this same structure, but it’s not guaranteed.

Will EPR Fees Have an Impact on the Consumer Cost of Goods?

Based on early data, we can assume there will be minimal to no impact on the consumer cost of goods. This is because these kinds of legislation discourage or prohibit producers from passing along the cost.

Are Fees Only Applicable to Flexible Plastic Packaging?

Flexible films are expected to have the highest packaging fees. However, EPR for packaging isn’t just relegated to plastic packaging. According to SB 54 (Allen, Chapter 75, Statues of 2022), signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom, material that is easier and less expensive to recycle/compost may be subject to lower fees. Corrugated packaging may be affected by EPR for packaging fees, but it’s more recyclable than many plastic packaging options. That’s why it’s so important to partner with a corrugated packaging company that already has decades of experience in sustainability initiatives.

Jamestown Container Can Help You Prepare for Extended Producer Responsibility

With so many changing rules and regulations, you need a partner who can help you stay on top of it all. At Jamestown Container, we help our customers navigate this space, no matter the industry or the regulatory requirements.

Since 1956, we’ve been helping businesses get the right packaging solutions for their needs. We’d be honored to help you, too. We offer everything your business needs for its packaging, and have professional affiliations that allow us to serve customers around the globe. Additionally, we maintain industry certifications — including an ISO 9001 accreditation — to hold us to the highest standards in manufacturing excellence.

Whether you need boxes, POP displays, or other packaging necessities, we’ve got you covered. We also offer other services to help you get the most out of your investment. Our contract packaging services handle everything from assembling displays and packing products to coordinating freight. We also offer an eVMI program that automatically replenishes your packaging so you don’t have to worry about inventory.

Additionally, we adhere to rigid sustainability practices to minimize the environmental impact of our packaging solutions. We use recycled linerboard from the Greenpac Mill, which is one of the country’s lowest producers of paper mill landfill waste. We’re also part of the Box to Nature Program, a transformative initiative led by The Paper and Packaging Board. This initiative aims to help consumers understand the recycling process and encourage them to actively participate in the operation.

*This blog was written in July of 2025. Rules, regulations, and fees are subject to change.