AMERIPEN, the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment, took center stage at a recent U.S. Senate Committee hearing, advocating for effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies regarding consumer packaging. Dan Felton, Executive Director of AMERIPEN, emphasized the pivotal role packaging plays across its lifecycle and underscored the urgency of diverting packaging waste from landfills and waterways towards recycling and reuse.

Felton emphasized AMERIPEN’s commitment to supporting public policies that foster sustainable packaging practices. However, he stressed the importance of ensuring that such policies are results-oriented, efficient, and fair to all stakeholders. While acknowledging the progress made by states with EPR laws, Felton highlighted the need for consistency across states to enhance efficiency and support brand owners, who bear the primary responsibility for funding these programs.

Recognizing the evolving landscape of packaging EPR legislation, Felton proposed deeper discussions on achieving uniformity and exploring potential federal-level interventions to streamline regulations. AMERIPEN expressed willingness to collaborate with federal policymakers and stakeholders to develop a cohesive framework for packaging EPR at the national level.

Felton also shared insights on key elements that any federal packaging EPR program should encompass, emphasizing the importance of preserving existing infrastructure while promoting innovation in recycling and recovery processes.

In conclusion, Felton’s testimony underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to implement effective, sustainable solutions for packaging recovery and recycling in the United States.

For more information on AMERIPEN’s advocacy and initiatives, visit ameripen.org.