California’s “Double 60” rule pushes US packaging toward a compliance overhaul

USA – The United States has entered a new era of packaging regulation in 2026 as California’s SB 343 enforces a “double 60” recyclability threshold while the proposed PACK Act aims to harmonize green claims across all 50 states.

Seven states have now enacted Extended Producer Responsibility packaging laws, shifting waste management costs from municipalities to producers.

The Circular Action Alliance has begun invoicing producers in Oregon, with fees ranging from US$0 per pound for nonconsumer corrugated cardboard to over US$1.30 per pound for certain plastic containers.

Industry analysts estimate Oregon producers will pay approximately US$100 million annually in aggregate fees.

PFAS Bites and Foam Fights

Illinois banned intentionally added PFAS in food packaging from January 2026, while Maine will prohibit PFAS in paper and fiber-based food packaging from May 25, 2026. Virginia’s expanded polystyrene food container ban takes effect July 1, 2026, applying to all foodservice vendors statewide.

New York extended its polystyrene restrictions to include cold storage containers such as coolers and ice chests, effective January 1, 2026.

Minnesota now requires all products labeled “compostable” to be certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute.

Microplastics Enter the Crosshairs

The Environmental Protection Agency has designated microplastics as a priority contaminant group under the draft Sixth Contaminant Candidate List for the first time in agency history.

The agency is simultaneously releasing human health benchmarks for 374 pharmaceuticals and has announced a US$144 million research initiative to study microplastic health risks.

A 60-day public comment period is now open, with finalization expected by November 17, 2026.

Tariffs Add Another Layer and The Road Ahead

New tariffs on imported steel and aluminium are increasing input costs for packaging manufacturers, adding financial strain as companies adapt to new compliance requirements.

For packaging professionals, the era of voluntary sustainability claims is ending. California’s SB 343 transforms the chasing arrows symbol from a marketing tool into a legal assertion backed by civil penalties up to US$2,500 per violation.

Oregon’s EPR fees are already hitting bottom lines, while the EPA’s microplastics designation signals future drinking water standards that will affect every beverage and food packaging operation.

The businesses that survive this regulatory wave won’t be the ones with the flashiest green claims, they’ll be the ones with the most defensible data and the most adaptable supply chains.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE