Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging are accelerating across the U.S., and the food and beverage sector is directly in the crosshairs. With Oregon and Washington finalizing producer obligations, California and Colorado actively rolling out compliance frameworks, and additional states following suit, food companies must quickly understand how these laws are impacting food packaging.

This workshop delivers a practical, food‑focused roadmap for navigating the evolving EPR landscape, helping manufacturers, brand owners, and importers assess compliance obligations, align packaging decisions with regulatory definitions, and anticipate cost and reporting requirements.

Key topics will include:

• Examining the EPR landscape through a food industry lens
• Analyzing key state programs
  • California’s SB 54
  • Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act
  • Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program
  • Maine, Minnesota, and New Jersey’s reporting initiatives
• Managing multi‑state packaging compliance by accounting for varying definitions, reporting obligations, fee structures, and timelines
  • Reviewing lessons learned from early‑adopting states that food brands can apply now
• Preparing your budget to meet next year’s EPR reporting and payment obligations
• Designing compliant and sustainable food packaging strategies that balance EPR requirements, lifecycle impacts, and food safety priorities
• Strengthening corporate compliance by aligning data tracking, documentation, and enforcement risk across departments