Product stewardship is becoming increasingly critical in the U.S. as state and local governments explore ways to manage waste more sustainably. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation is being passed – with California leading the way – to hold companies accountable for end-of-life product management.
In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI Media’s Theresa Hegel talks with Andy Keller, founder and CEO of ChicoBag (asi/44811), about the importance of EPR and how current and upcoming legislation will affect the promo products industry.
California has several landmark EPR laws, including one to reduce the use of single-use plastic packaging and another that aims to cut down on textile waste by requiring producers to manage the recycling and reuse of their products. “Everyone needs to be paying attention,” Keller says, “because typically what happens in California gets replicated across different states.”
But, he adds, legislation isn’t the only reason to focus on EPR. End-buyers and consumers, particularly from younger generations, care about sustainability and reducing environmental impact, so it’s worth taking notice. “EPR doesn’t have to be top-down from government,” Keller says. “Business can be the leader and be responsible. That really happens in the design process – designing with the end in mind to have a circular economy.”
Podcast Chapters
1:46 What promo companies need to know about EPR laws
5:03 Who counts as a “producer” under EPR legislation?
6:28 What about EPR for the textile industry?
9:21 The specifics of takeback programs
Key Takeaways
• Definition & Importance: EPR shifts the responsibility for the end-of-life management of products from consumers and municipalities to producers, encouraging sustainable product design.
• California’s Landmark Laws: California has passed significant EPR laws, including SB 54, which mandates a 25% reduction in single-use plastics by 2032 and requires all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable.
• Impact on Promo Industry: These laws affect anyone selling products in California, including distributors and suppliers, who must comply with recycling and compostability standards.
• Textile Recovery Act: SB 707, also out of California, focuses on the recyclability and repairability of textiles, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.
• Producers’ Responsibility: Companies can join Producer Responsibility Organizations to manage their compliance with EPR laws, including financial contributions to recycling infrastructure.
• Proactive Business Practices: Businesses are encouraged to adopt EPR practices voluntarily, designing products with their end-of-life in mind to create a circular economy.
• Consumer & Market Trends: Younger generations value responsible business practices, and companies that adopt sustainable practices are likely to be rewarded in the market.
