Ready or Not, EPR is Here

Currently, seven US states have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules on the books and legislators in other state capitals across the country are exploring their own. There are subtle and not-so-subtle differences by state in current legislation and in some scenarios, details like fee structures are still being ironed out.

This issue of Happi headed to press just days before a critical EPR deadline in the US. Six states administered by the Circular Action Alliance had reporting deadlines tied to May 31, 2026.

We asked leading associations representing the breadth of products that Happi covers (from lip liner to laundry detergent) to weigh in on EPR. Experts from ACI, PCPC, HCPA and IBA shared their viewpoints and detailed how their organizations are helping their members and the industries they serve navigate the current patchwork of legislation.

Savvy companies have assembled cross-functional teams to deal with EPR—and for good reason: the decision-making process around EPR compliance will be multifaceted.

Happi’s Buyers’ Guide can be a resource for your organization as it builds a packaging strategy for EPR. Inside this issue you will find suppliers of critical components like paperboard, boxes, bottles, pumps and sprayers. If you are sourcing packaging that will be compatible with your finished formula, aligns with your organization’s sustainability goals and lessens the burden of EPR fees, begin that search on p. 79.

For decades, our Buyers’ Guide has served as an industry resource for key ingredients that will be housed inside whatever vessel you select. On p. 50 you can find active ingredients. If you are looking for functional chemicals like an emulsifier, a surfactant or fragrance, turn to p. 64. Contact information for the companies listed throughout these pages can be found on p. 87.

Based on global headlines and current headwinds, we are likely to be in for a wild ride for the second half of the year. Take the Happi Buyers’ Guide along as you navigate the complexities.

Have a comment or a question about something you read in these pages or online? Send me an email or find me on LinkedIn. Let’s talk.

Christine Esposito
Editor-in-Chief

[email protected]