Legislation Reshapes Packaging Sustainability Claims

Consumer packaging has long been a minefield of greenwashed sustainability claims plagued by recycling pitfalls that vary from state to state. A new bill introduced by Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) is poised to harmonize the issues by creating a consistent federal framework under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with the overarching goal of an improved circular economy.

The aptly named Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025 specifically targets unverified claims like “recyclable,” “compostable,” and “reusable” claims that appear on consumer packaging, which, in combination with the pothole-laden state of recycling and composting infrastructure, makes it hard to know what can actually be recycled.

The PACK Act was introduced in December. Rep. Weber said it’s been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he serves as a member. “While the legislative process takes time, my office is actively engaged in moving this bill through committee and advancing it through Congress,” he commented. “We are committed to moving this pro-consumer, pro-commerce legislation to the President’s desk.”

Legislation Reshapes Packaging Sustainability Claims

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