GreenBlue

GreenBlue is on a mission to accelerate the transition to a regenerative, just, and sustainable materials economy. 

GreenBlue launched its first project, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), in 2004. This led to the development of a complimentary project, How2Recycle, which has since become the most recognized on-packaging disposal instructions across the United States and Canada. Under the GreenBlue nonprofit, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and How2Recycle, aim to be a source of truth that encourage the packaging value chain to build environmentally regenerative, socially responsible systems.  

Recommendations for Policymakers Developing Circular Policy & EPR for Packaging Policies:

1. Speak the Same Language - Effective implementation of EPR programs begins long before materials are collected, processed, or recycled. While the physical management of materials is the most tangible component of EPR, the foundation of a successful system is built on a shared understanding of what materials are included in the program. Starting with clearly defined list, whether a covered materials list, collection list, alternative collection list, or other regulatory determinations, these lists should be developed using established industry standards, terminology, and definitions whenever possible. Consistent language creates clarity for producers, recyclers, local governments, material recovery facilities, end markets, and regulators, reducing confusion and minimizing the potential for inconsistent interpretation across jurisdictions. When all participants are speaking the same language, it becomes easier to identify gaps in collection systems, communicate material acceptance requirements, and measure performance. Utilizing industry expertise for list creation ultimately supports greater transparency and confidence in the system. Most importantly, it establishes a strong and durable foundation upon which collection, processing, recycling, and responsible end-market development can be expanded over time, helping EPR programs achieve their environmental and circular economy objectives more effectively.
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2. Incentivize On-Pack Labeling Through Eco-Modulation, Education & Outreach - On-pack labeling belongs within EPR legislation; it best fits within the eco-modulation and education and outreach elements of EPR, because it directly supports the goals of both elements. On-pack labeling is a critical, and often overlooked, mechanism for driving behavior change. 78% of consumers look for recycling instructions on packaging, helping shoppers make informed decisions everywhere from the shelf to the recycling bin. Without clear guidance to consumers at the point of disposal, even the most advanced infrastructure cannot perform effectively. By incentivizing labeling through eco-modulation, EPR policy can align producer actions with consumer outcomes, reinforcing system efficiency, reducing contamination, and improving material recovery. A good example is Washington State, which includes in their law a stipulation that the PRO shall “assist producers in improving product labels as a means of informing consumers about refill, reuse, recycling, composting, and other environmentally sound methods of managing covered materials”. 

3. Embed Consistency in State EPR Frameworks - Harmonization between state policies, including standard definitions of EPR elements like producer, covered products, exemptions, and the scope of covered entities, helps producers with compliance and in turn will likely make more effective systems. Harmonizing key elements such as how a state defines a “producer” or how it determines which materials will be regulated can ease cross-state compliance. This approach is already taking shape. Maine, the first state to enact packaging EPR legislation, recently updated portions of its law to better align key definitions with those adopted in other states. Washington, the seventh state to pass packaging EPR legislation, also includes statutory direction to consider alignment with other EPR programs during implementation. As additional states develop and refine their regulations, this trend toward harmonization has the potential to create greater consistency nationwide, making compliance more manageable while supporting more efficient and effective recycling systems.