Ameripen voices support for Maryland EPR bill

Springfield, Massachusetts-based Ameripen, which says it represents the North American packaging value chain by providing public policymakers with fact-based, material-inclusive, scientific information, has commended Maryland policymakers for passing S.B. 901, which would establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for paper and packaging in the state.

If signed by Gov. Moore, this law would become the sixth EPR bill for packaging passed in the country.

Maryland’s EPR bill was passed by the state legislature earlier this month following what Ameripen describes as “a thorough needs assessment and several years of policy development.”

Led by Sen. Malcolm Augustine and other key stakeholders, S.B. 901 is the product of significant effort that aligns key definitions with Minnesota’s 2024 law, providing consistency across states in funding methodologies and the role of a producer responsibility organization (PRO), the association adds.

Ameripen says the bill includes a number of key elements: 

Ameripen says Maryland’s EPR legislation establishes critical funding for communities to recover and recycle packaging materials, which is especially critical as states and municipalities struggle to fund public programs without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

“As an organization dedicated to impartial, science-based solutions, Ameripen is proud to have supported S.B. 901 and is grateful to all across the packaging value chain—materials suppliers, packaging producers, consumer packaged goods companies and end-of-life materials managers—who have provided thoughtful feedback to make this legislation as effective as possible,” says Rob Keith, Ameripen policy and membership director. “We are equally appreciative of Maryland legislators who engaged with these subject matter experts to ensure goals will be both achievable and productive for businesses, governments, and constituents.”

“Efficient and economically viable recycling and recovery systems are critical to achieve less waste in landfills, lower costs for taxpayers, more sustainable products, fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner communities,” says Augustine. “This new system aligns incentives for all stakeholders to create an economically efficient, environmentally responsible, circular system of managing packaging and paper materials. All Maryland residents deserve a modern and comprehensive recycling system, and this legislation ensures we can deliver on our state’s commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.”

Ameripen says it will continue working with Maryland legislators to ensure the state’s ambitions of world-class packaging recovery infrastructure are achieved.