Building a Packaging EPR Task Force for Regulatory Compliance

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is rapidly transforming how companies manage their packaging operations and the materials they are using for their primary, secondary, and even tertiary packaging.

As more states shift the responsibility for packaging waste diversion and disposal to producers, including requirements for data collection and fees to support recycling infrastructure, it’s critical to be organized.

Forming a cross-functional team of internal stakeholders and external partners ensures your organization is aligned and prepared to meet these evolving challenges.

If you're new to Extended Producer Responsibility or need a refresher on the basics, check out our EPR 101: What Packaging Operations Teams Need to Know article for a foundational overview before diving into how to build your internal task force.

Why Industrial Packaging Teams Need an EPR Task Force

Navigating EPR compliance is complex and it’s not something that should be tackled alone.

Whether you're just beginning to track packaging materials or are already reporting, bringing together stakeholders from across your organization helps create a coordinated plan that’s clearly communicated and effectively executed¹.

Example: Evaluating Stretch Film Usage

• Operations: Tracks how much stretch film is used and where.
• Sustainability: Assesses eco-friendly alternatives that align with company goals and multi-state EPR legislation.
• Procurement: Coordinates with internal teams and vendors to source sustainable options.

Packaging operations have a lot of moving parts—from packaging redesign to product protection during shipment and everything in between—so synchronization is key.

Without it, you risk delays in implementation, fines for non-compliance, and missed opportunities to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and stay on top of evolving regulations.

Steps to Get Started

Common Mistakes in EPR Implementation—and How to Avoid Them

• Delaying action: Waiting too long can lead to penalties for non-compliance.
• Underestimating complexity: EPR spans multiple states, materials, and products—requiring cross-departmental coordination.
• Ignoring secondary/tertiary packaging: If you repackage products for shipping or resale, EPR applies to you too.
• Poor internal communication: Misalignment increases the risk of non-compliance

At BradyPLUS, we partner with you to identify waste reduction opportunities, explore sustainable packaging alternatives, and improve performance—all while staying EPR compliant and reducing costs.

Sources:

1. Why Real-Time Packaging Data Drives Circular Economy Success - Packaging Digest
2. EPR Dealine is Approaching in California - Circular Action Alliance