Press release from the issuing company
We are pleased to report that the New York State Legislature has adjourned without passing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation containing the proposed ban on carbon black, the primary pigment in black printing ink. Thanks to all who were involved in this monumental effort! We had many companies, members, and non-members alike, write letters, take meetings, and make personal calls to their NYS legislative representatives, expressing their concerns about this critical issue!
In achieving this victory, PGCA worked with an extensive coalition of organizations who are broadly opposed to the overarching EPR bill. However, the Print & Graphic Communications Association was one of only a few associations, along with the Color Pigment Manufacturers Association (CPMA) and the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM), and others, whose primary focus was on fighting against the proposed Carbon Black ban.
Without our focus on this critical issue, it is doubtful if the proposed ban, which would have essentially destroyed the packaging and label business in New York State, would have been removed from the overall bill!
To recap, several months ago, we advised the New York State industry, members and non-members alike, that the EPR bill, titled the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA), contained a section that would ban the use of several chemicals that were being designated as “toxic” including carbon black.
Recognizing the existential challenge to our industry that a ban on black printing ink would be, PGCA jumped into action and took the following actions over the next several weeks.
While the NYS legislature has adjourned without approving the bill, you can be certain the issue is not done. The EPR bill, without the Carbon Black ban, has passed the NYS Senate. The NYS Assembly adjourned without voting on the companion bill. The EPR bill, which will drive significant business out of New York State, will resurface before the end of 2024. While we don’t believe a Carbon Black ban will be added back in, the environmental lobby may press for its inclusion into an amended bill and the fight will be on again. Stay tuned!
We are pleased to have taken a leadership role in this successful effort and are working diligently to address a similar situation in New Jersey as well as monitoring the situations in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Please do not hesitate to contact Tim Freeman at Print & Graphic Communications Association office with your questions or concerns and once again, thank you for your efforts on this important issue!
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