Packaging EPR Series: What Is The NLCRC Doing Regarding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?
As mentioned in the previous post in this series, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that shifts the responsibility for managing post-consumer packaging from local governments to Producers, who must pay fees based on the amount of packaging they sell. These fees are collected by state-approved Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)/Stewardship Organizations (SOs) and used to improve recycling infrastructure. EPR packaging laws have been enacted in California, Colorado, Maine, Oregon, and Minnesota. Additionally, Vermont has implemented an EPR law for household hazardous waste (HHW). These laws require producers to join PROs/SOs and adhere to state-specific regulations.
In 2024, the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC) refreshed its strategic priorities to create workstreams aligned to the core three-year objectives of the NLCRC. One of these workstreams focuses on EPR Support and the post-consumption collection, logistics, and recycling phases of the packaging value chain, seeking to optimize the system and efficiency in support of EPR compliance. The workstream will: clarify information or knowledge gaps created or exacerbated by EPR laws; identify solutions to help lower any industrial risks driven by EPR laws; and collaborate with the other NLCRC workstreams to develop solutions to adapt to the changing legislative context.
Additionally, as EPR laws continue to evolve, the NLCRC focuses on monitoring new legislation and preparing for changes to existing packaging laws and any policymaking. After various assessments, analyses, and extensive engagements with numerous stakeholders across the petroleum packaging and related value chain, the NLCRC enabled the formation of the Lubricant Packaging Management Association (LPMA). The LPMA is a national non-profit EPR compliance agency founded by five lubricant Brand Owners, to provide EPR compliance options for its members and support the development of circular material management solutions for their petroleum-based and related products and packaging. The NLCRC and the LPMA are separate entities that collaborate to ensure EPR compliance optimization and enhance the performance of collection and recycling initiatives.
As EPR legislation continues to expand, Producers and other members in the value chain must understand the relevance of these laws so they can prepare for changes in legislation and comply with requirements. We invite you to stay tuned to our packaging EPR blog series. Upcoming posts will provide insights on EPR applicability at different stages of the packing value chain.
The National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition or “NLCRC” is an industry-led coalition funded by a committed consortium of value chain stakeholders focused on establishing solutions for the recovery and recycling of packaging for petroleum-based and related products utilized in the transportation and industrial applications Industry.
Members include Berry Global, Castrol (part of bp Group), Chevron, CKS Packaging Inc., ExxonMobil, Graham Packaging, Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, Lucas Oil, Nexus Circular, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Petroleum Packaging Council, Plastipak Packaging, RPM eco, Safety-Kleen, and Valvoline. For more information, visit https://www.nationallcrc.com
