_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Packaging
Oregon and Washington – have enacted comprehensive EPR laws focused on packaging. In each case, producers must join or establish a producer responsibility scheme( PRO) and pay fees to support the collection and recycling of covered paper and plastic packaging. Meanwhile, other states are taking steps toward adoption – including New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Hawaii, which have all introduced EPR packaging bills.
These steady steps towards transitioning to a circular economy – from Europe to the United States – demonstrates how sustainable packaging production is increasingly a top priority around the world.
Digital tools facilitate smarter packaging choices
Alongside regulation, digitalization is transforming how packaging decisions are made. In the EU, the Digital Product Passport( DPP) – introduced under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation – is emerging as a key tool for supply chain transparency. The DPP connects each product, providing comprehensive information on origin, materials, environmental impact, and disposal recommendations into a structured digital record. Companies are using this data to support regulation compliance, traceability of materials, and ultimately, circular business models.
In parallel, Life Cycle Assessment( LCA) tools are becoming more accessible and integrated into packaging development. Instead of commissioning one-off studies, engineers can now run comparative assessments in the design phase, testing different materials, thicknesses, formats and closure systems against metrics such as carbon footprint, energy use and recyclability.
LCAs enable firms to opt for materials that reduce emissions and improve recyclability, helping organizations meet sustainability goals and commitments. More and more
manufacturing-today. com 29