The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth.” The Congressional hearing, held on July 16, 2025, spotlighted two major federal policy proposals aimed at modernizing the U.S. recycling system, which could have significant implications for custom-printed label and packaging manufacturers.
Incentivizing Domestic Recycling Investment
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act of 2025. This act proposes a 30% investment tax credit over 10 years for qualified investments in new or upgraded recycling infrastructure. Local municipalities investing in waste reduction would receive a direct rebate. The Recycling Partnership estimates that the CIRCLE Act could unlock over $30 billion in economic benefits, create 200,000 new jobs, and return 169 million tons of recyclables to domestic markets.
Creating a National Labeling Standard
Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) announced plans to introduce the Packaging Claims and Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025. This act aims to establish a national framework for labeling claims about compostability, recyclability, and reusability under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act. The goal is to eliminate the patchwork of state-level labeling requirements, allowing manufacturers to comply with a single national standard. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would have primary oversight authority.
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