Businesses are seeking innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact and invest in sustainability. A Gartner survey found that 87% of business leaders plan to increase their sustainability investment in the next two years. There is pressure from investors, supply chains, and consumers to make more sustainable decisions.

As part of our 2024 “State of Converting” outreach to the industry, The Packaging Group from BNP Media sought input from leading converters to gain perspective on the current EPR legislative climate.

Against the backdrop of a lack of skilled labor, the food and beverage sector continues to invest in automated, efficient and stable processes. 

The contradictory labeling laws in California versus other states underscore the need for a more consistent and unified approach to packaging labeling regulations across the United States.

Consumer demands prompt a projected rise in overall unit sales and use of metal, glass, and liquid cartons.

In the survey, 88% of respondents claim to be planning a connected packaging campaign this year, and 78% of respondents believe connected packaging will improve business sustainability credentials.

Despite the steady drumbeat of “less is more” when it comes to packaging, Eldon Schaffer of TekniPlex Consumer Products makes a case for the continued use of container liners, citing several of their invaluable contributions.

AMERIPEN’s Dan Felton lauds both Maryland and Illinois for fostering productive discussions and collaboration among industry, environmental groups, and the government with respect to EPR and any future laws.

Innovations in how compostable packaging is made, along with new technology for composting, are among the forces working to increase the use of this type of packaging.

It’s in the best interest of all packaging companies to begin assessing and verifying their own data systems now to ensure they are prepared when EPR reporting requirements take effect.