packaging you use. This includes weights, materials and recyclability. • You’ll pay eco-modulated fees. Translation: If your packaging is hard to recycle or unnecessarily bulky, you’ll likely pay more. Just like airlines and carryon bags. And yes, even if you’re based in a state with no EPR law, if you ship products into one that does, congratulations – you’re part of the system. Avoiding Panic Let’s be honest: No one got into promo because they were passionate about reporting polybag weights by state. But here’s how to get ready without flipping a desk: 1. Figure out if you’re a “producer” under state law. Don’t assume it’s someone else’s problem. First, review whether your company puts finished packaged goods into EPR-affected states. 2. Start a packaging audit. If you don’t package directly, ask your suppliers: What materials are being used? Are they recyclable? Can they prove it? Press for details. Even if you primarily ship into states without EPR laws now, that could change in the very near future, so it’s best to be prepared. 3. Talk to your supply chain. Communication is key. If you don’t control the packaging, make sure you’re working with people who do, and that they’re ready to share the data you’ll need. 4. Rethink packaging design. This is an opportunity in disguise. Lighter, simpler, recyclable packaging isn’t just good for compliance – it’s often cheaper to ship and more appealing to end buyers. 5. Follow evolving deadlines. Implementation timelines are still shifting, so don’t hit snooze forever. Bookmark the PRO sites and the state agency sites, and subscribe for updates from credible sources. 6. Learn from your peers. Attend PPAI’s Responsibility Summit in September to learn from the industry’s experts on how they’re approaching this, as well as other pressing compliance and responsible sourcing concerns. EPR laws are coming, ready or not. And while they might feel like another alphabet soup of compliance acronyms, they’re also a clear signal: The era of throwaway packaging is ending. For promotional products companies, this is a chance to step up, embrace smarter design, work with better partners and show buyers we’re not just slapping logos on stuff. We’re thinking about where that stuff ends up and breaking up with “brandfill” for good. Wimbush is the director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. EPR laws define “producer” broadly. If you import, manufacture, distribute or sell packaged goods into one of the states with EPR laws, you could be on the hook. PPAI • JULY 2025 • 27 Responsibility | Voices
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