MRFs in Maryland, Texas and Minnesota re-opened after upgrades that included optical sorters, artificial intelligence and film vacuums.

The technology for sorting and recycling PP back into food-grade packaging already exists, and with more value chain alignment, it is poised to take off at scale, those involved at all levels of the process said during a session at the 2025 Plastics Recycling Conference. 

MRFs in Maryland, Texas and Minnesota re-opened after upgrades that included optical sorters, artificial intelligence and film vacuums.

A bill that would set up an extended producer responsibility program for packaging is sitting on the desk of Maryland's governor after clearing both legislative chambers Monday evening. If it's signed, Maryland would become the sixth U.S. state to enact such a law. 

Lawmakers in a dozen states have introduced bills concerning extended producer responsibility for packaging, ranging from studies and tweaks of current programs to full EPR programs. 

This year has been a busy one for policy concerning e-scrap and electronics, with several dozen bills filed in states across the country. 

E-scrap certification program e-Stewards endorsed an environmental benefits calculator from Bloom ESG, a London-based advisory firm, that can be used to quantify avoided carbon emissions and other benefits of e-scrap recycling and reuse. 

Another Canadian province is rolling out its extended producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products. 

A late March advisory board meeting brought dozens of public comments but little additional detail on a new timeline for California's extended producer responsibility rulemaking. 

Extended producer responsibility programs for packaging are largely moving forward, with some innovations in Oregon, representatives from Circular Action Alliance said at a quarterly update.