July Newsletter

In this blog post by Lorax Policy Analyst Meng Yan, we delve into the urgent issue of PFAS, examining their environmental impact, regulatory measures, and future implications in the United States. Join us as we uncover the complexities surrounding these chemicals and the efforts to mitigate their effects on consumer products. The U.S. federal government has proposed legislation to phase out all non-essential uses of PFAS over the next decade, with bans on food packaging and containers starting in the first year after the bill's approval. The law would take effect immediately upon enactment.?

Lorax Policy Analyst Jennifer Brook examines the new textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting requirements that took effect in Latvia on July 1, 2024. These regulations mandate that any entity introducing textile products to the Latvian market for the first time must comply by either paying the Natural Resource Tax to the government or joining a producer responsibility organization (PRO) to fulfil this obligation on their behalf, thereby exempting them from the tax. Companies opting for a PRO will instead pay EPR fees to the organization. This blog also delves into which specific products are subject to these obligations.?

News Headlines:

US EPR Update for California?- CalRecycle has recently published the latest update to the Covered Material Categories (CMC) as mandated by SB 54, effective July 1, 2024. This comprehensive list identifies 94 material categories. Key highlights include an updated list encompassing categories for paper and fiber, wood and other organic materials, glass, ceramic, metal, and plastic. As well as this, a change to category IDs to reflect the year of publication of the updated CMC list, along with the material class. Lorax EPI is here to help you stay informed about the latest standards and align your practices with the updated categories.??

Packaging groups engaged on numerous state EPR bills in 2024. What have they learned??- Leaders shared insights from Minnesota, New York, and other states on lessons to take forward. While only one packaging EPR bill has passed so far in 2024, stakeholders continue to learn about refining producer definitions, compromise, and other key aspects as bills become more prevalent. Minnesota's Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act was the first such law adopted by a U.S. state since 2022. Although more EPR negotiations could occur this year, many states with introduced EPR bills, such as Hawai’i, Tennessee, and Washington, have already concluded their sessions for 2024.?

Canada Amends the Competition Act to Target Greenwashing?- Canada is enhancing accountability for environmental claims by requiring companies to substantiate the environmental benefits of their products and activities. Bill C-59 amended the Competition Act to set standards for assessing green claims, and expanded the ability of private parties to challenge those claims as "greenwashing." These new green marketing rules introduce uncertainty and could expose corporations to significant risks. In response, some companies have already cautiously taken down or amended documents on their websites, citing uncertainty about the law's interpretation and enforcement.?

Does Labour victory signal new era for UK circular economy??- As Labour prepares to take the reins, their environmental agenda, especially the commitment to a circular economy, is in the spotlight. This commitment aims to tackle the UK's waste and sustainability issues, promoting reduced material footprints and enhanced resource efficiency. Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, stressed the importance of this transition: “The Labour Party is right to commit to a more circular economy – the public wants it and it is desperately needed to meet our legally-binding climate and nature commitments.” As Labour steps into leadership, the environmental sector eagerly anticipates a transformative path towards sustainability, focusing on circular economy principles, waste reduction, and green investments.?

Resource and Waste Management Expo, NEC – Birmingham, UK??- From the 11th to the 12th of September, the Lorax EPI team will be exhibiting at this year's RWM Expo. Over the two days, members of our accounts, research, and sales teams will be there.?

Sustainability in Packaging Europe – Barcelona, Spain?- From the 8th to the 10th of October, as well as sponsoring, we will be exhibiting at this year's expo; you will be able to find members of our team at stand 42.?

London Packaging Week?- Lorax COO Michelle Carvell will be presenting at this year's London Packaging week, which takes place from the 11th to the 12th of September at ExCeL London.?