AF&PA calls for commercial packaging recycling to be exempt from EPR

The American Forest & Paper Association is lobbying for commercial paper and packaging recycling to be excluded from extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes in the US. The association argues these materials already move through established, privately funded recycling systems and that including them in EPR would amount to double-charging businesses that do not use residential recycling services.

Why this mattersThe position, if adopted by lawmakers, would narrow the scope and funding base of state EPR schemes for paper-based packaging.

• AF&PA is urging exclusion of commercial paper and packaging recycling from EPR programmes
• The association argues commercial packaging already achieves high recycling rates through privately funded systems
• AF&PA says inclusion in EPR would mean businesses pay for recycling services they do not use
• AF&PA represents the US paper and wood products industry

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