AF&PA calls for commercial recycling exclusion from EPR

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has called for commercial paper and packaging recycling to be excluded from extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes, arguing that these materials already move through established and privately funded recycling systems.

In an industry explainer, the association said lawmakers considering EPR legislation should distinguish between residential recycling gaps and commercial systems that already recover paper-based packaging at high rates.

AF&PA maintained that including commercial packaging in EPR programmes would require businesses to contribute financially to a system they do not use, effectively making them pay twice for recycling services that are already operating.

The association also argued that commercial paper and packaging are generally collected through existing business-to-business arrangements. In its view, bringing these materials under producer responsibility schemes would increase costs without producing a corresponding improvement in paper recycling outcomes.

According to AF&PA, the additional cost could ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher prices for groceries and other everyday products. The organisation therefore urged policymakers to focus EPR measures on genuine gaps in recycling infrastructure and access.

The debate forms part of a broader discussion in the United States over how producer responsibility programmes should be structured, which materials should be included and how fees should be allocated across packaging supply chains.

AF&PA represents U.S. manufacturers of paper, packaging and wood products. Its member companies also participate in the association’s Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability initiative.