The supervision of plastic bags in the United States is very strict. In order to produce plastic bags that meet the circulation of the American market, it is necessary to print the certification that meets the American national standard EPA on the bags. If the bag is suitable for food and medical treatment, it is also necessary to print the certification mark on the bag.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which was established in Canada and Europe for a long time, finally reached the United States on 202 1. Oregon and Maine have passed laws requiring manufacturers to help fund the collection and disposal of packaging, while other states, such as new york, Washington and California, are close.
We buy products because we are confused by labels and think they are recyclable. Maine and Oregon adopt different methods, but both laws require companies selling packaged goods in their respective states to join the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), pay membership fees and report the quantity and types of packaged products they sell. Oregon law also requires the 25 largest manufacturers to regularly assess and disclose the life cycle environmental impact of a small number of product portfolios. Maine law will take effect in mid-2024; Oregon is close behind, in the middle of 2025.
Both states cover packaging materials, whether they are recyclable or not. Oregon's law will inject much-needed cash (about $82 million a year) into the state's recycling system to help municipalities solve long-standing challenges.
But as for whether it will encourage enterprises to develop more environmentally friendly packaging, Allawi said, "There will be a price signal here, but we don't think it will be a very loud signal." California, New York, Vermont and Connecticut may take the next step in 2022.
Heidi sanborn, the founding director and chairman of the National Management Action Committee, said that California legislators "are learning how far behind we are, and they want to catch up". California recycling market and roadside recycling commission. Meanwhile, according to Lily Shepherd, the project manager, globally, eight governments in EMF's global commitments have formulated or planned to implement EPR policies by 2025, including the global commitments and strategic participation of foundations in the Netherlands, Britain, Rwanda, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, France and Portugal in the new plastic economy.
"The circular nature of circular economy may introduce additional chemicals into products," a recent study by the US Environmental Protection Agency warned that more spices, flame retardants, solvents, fungicides and dyes were found in products made of recycled materials.
At the same time, Washington, California and Maine have joined the ranks of more and more states, which have passed legislation to prohibit or phase out perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging (and other products). The United States has proposed a bipartisan bill nationwide that will ban the use of PFAS in food containers.