Establish a Uniform National Framework for Packaging Claims
AFFI and its members support policies that advance sustainability, reduce waste, and provide consumers with accurate information about packaging. The Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act (H.R.6832) would establish a harmonized national framework that allows companies to make recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims in a consistent and transparent way.
Key elements of the PACK Act include:
- Third-party certification requirements to ensure packaging claims are accurate and based on recognized standards.
- Federal oversight through the Federal Trade Commission, with collaboration from the Environmental Protection Agency.
- State preemption provisions that prevent conflicting state requirements and ensure a consistent national standard.
- A uniform national approach will help ensure that sustainability goals are achieved without creating unnecessary regulatory complexity or increasing costs for American consumers.
Background
Packaging plays a critical role in the food supply chain by protecting food safety, preserving product quality, and ensuring goods can be safely transported, stored, and consumed.
However, companies that manufacture and sell packaged goods, including food manufacturers, are facing a growing patchwork of state laws regulating packaging claims, particularly those related to recyclable, compostable, and reusable materials. These varying state requirements create significant challenges for businesses operating across state lines. Manufacturers must navigate different standards for labeling and packaging claims, which can lead to compliance burdens, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs.
At the same time, consumers are increasingly seeking clearer information about packaging sustainability. Yet the current regulatory environment can create confusion about how packaging should be disposed of, as claims and labeling requirements vary across jurisdictions.
The Solution
Congress must pass the PACK Act, which would establish a uniform federal framework under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer packaging. The PACK Act would:
- Create a consistent national standard for packaging claims, eliminating the growing patchwork of state regulations.
- Provide clear and accurate information to consumers about how to properly dispose of packaging.
- Promote responsible packaging management and support a circular economy.