By Lynn Dyer, President, AMERIPEN
For years, organizations have navigated an increasingly complex patchwork of state laws governing recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on packaging. As Congress considers legislation that would establish a consistent national framework, organizations across the packaging value chain have an important opportunity to help shape the conversation.
The Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act (H.R. 6832) would establish consistent national standards for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer packaging, providing greater clarity for consumers and a more predictable regulatory framework for businesses.
With growing bipartisan support and a broad coalition representing the packaging value chain, the legislation continues to gain momentum in Congress. With its first hearing anticipated in the coming weeks before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, now is an important time for organizations across the industry to become familiar with the legislation and engage in the conversation.
Why the PACK Act Matters
Consumers rely on packaging to make informed decisions. Yet today, organizations are navigating a growing patchwork of state-specific labeling requirements that can create confusion for consumers and complexity for businesses operating nationwide.
The PACK Act would establish a single national framework for recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims, helping ensure consumers receive consistent information regardless of where they live while providing businesses with greater regulatory certainty.
This isn't simply a labeling issue. It's about creating a practical approach that supports transparency, consumer confidence, and consistency across state lines.
Why the Packaging Industry Should Engage
Every organization that designs, manufactures, fills, transports, sells, or uses packaging has a stake in the outcome of this legislation.
Consistent national standards can:
- Provide consumers with clear, accurate, and consistent information.
- Reduce the complexity created by differing state labeling requirements.
- Create greater regulatory certainty for businesses operating across multiple states.
- Support innovation through a more predictable policy environment.
As Congress continues evaluating the PACK Act, lawmakers need to hear directly from the organizations responsible for implementing it. Real-world perspectives from manufacturers, brands, material suppliers, retailers, and others across the packaging value chain help policymakers understand how consistent national standards can benefit businesses, consumers, and the broader economy.
What You Can Do
If your organization supports a national framework that provides greater clarity for consumers and greater consistency for businesses, now is the time to engage.
- Contact your Members of Congress and encourage support for the PACK Act. Share why consistent national standards matter to your organization, employees, customers, and industry peers. This is especially important if your representatives serve on the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, where the PACK Act is anticipated to be heard in the coming weeks. A list of those members may be found here.
- Learn more about the PACK Act and stay informed as the legislation progresses by visiting ameripen.org/pack-act.
About AMERIPEN
Advocating for Responsible Packaging Policy
AMERIPEN—the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment—represents the entire packaging value chain, advocating for responsible packaging policies that drive meaningful progress in packaging sustainability while supporting industry growth and consumer needs. As the leading voice for packaging policy in the United States, AMERIPEN works with legislators, regulators, and stakeholders to develop science-based, data-driven solutions that enhance packaging's role in product protection, circularity, and everyday life. Through its Power of Packaging™ initiative, AMERIPEN also helps policymakers, industry leaders, and the public better understand the essential role packaging plays in protecting products, reducing waste, supporting commerce, and serving communities. Learn more at www.ameripen.org and explore The Power of Packaging™ at www.powerofpackaging.org.
