3R Sustainability attended the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) Impact 2026 to hear firsthand how packaging policy, compliance, and material innovation are evolving across the industry.
The conference gave our team valuable insight into the practical realities of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation, Post Consumer Resin (PCR) mandates, infrastructure development, and the broader shift of packaging sustainability from long-term planning into day-to-day business operations.
For 3R Sustainability, one of the clearest takeaways was that packaging compliance is no longer isolated within sustainability teams. These regulations are now influencing procurement, packaging design, financial planning, supply chain strategy, and overall business operations.
EPR Is Reshaping Packaging Strategy
One of the strongest comments from the conference described EPR as “the biggest shift in the packaging industry over the last 35 years.” That perspective was reflected across nearly every session.
Companies are navigating a growing patchwork of state EPR programs, each with different reporting requirements, covered materials, and definitions of producer responsibility. As more states continue implementing EPR legislation, producers are increasingly being forced to manage multiple compliance systems simultaneously rather than operating under a harmonized national framework.
One of the most common frustrations raised throughout the conference was the lack of consistency between states, with both producers and PRO representatives noting that no two programs currently “speak the same language.” Discussions repeatedly highlighted differences in material definitions, exemptions, reporting methodologies, and producer obligations, all of which are creating operational inefficiencies and additional administrative burden.
At the same time, many speakers acknowledged that policy is moving faster than infrastructure. Recycling systems, end markets, and collection capabilities are still developing, leaving companies to comply within systems that are themselves evolving.
Several discussions also emphasized the importance of cross-functional collaboration. Organizations seeing the most success are involving packaging engineering, procurement, finance, operations, and legal teams early in the process rather than treating EPR as a stand-alone sustainability initiative. Packaging engineering teams help evaluate recyclability and material choices, procurement supports supplier and PCR data collection, finance manages fee exposure and budgeting impacts, operations track packaging flows and reporting data, and legal teams help interpret compliance obligations and risk across states.
Another key point was that packaging decisions are becoming more interconnected. Material substitutions intended to improve sustainability can create unintended impacts elsewhere in the value chain through higher costs, performance tradeoffs, or recyclability limitations. Speakers repeatedly stressed the need to evaluate packaging changes holistically to ensure reduced emissions, minimize risks, and lower the regulatory impact.
Get Product and Packaging Support
3R’s holistic solutions help you navigate regulations, set practical targets, assess impacts, and innovate for circularity, decarbonization, and efficiency.
Better Data Is Becoming Essential
Data quality and forecasting emerged as one of the conference’s most urgent topics.
Many producers are still struggling to gather detailed packaging data across suppliers, facilities, and product lines. Without strong data systems, forecasting EPR costs becomes increasingly difficult, particularly as fee methodologies continue evolving.
Several sessions compared the current U.S. environment to the early stages of EU EPR implementation, where companies experienced similar volatility and uncertainty around forecasting. Speakers emphasized that producers need greater transparency and more refined forecasting tools to properly budget for future obligations.
There was also significant discussion around how EPR fees are becoming a true operational expense that requires visibility at the P&L level. Companies with weak packaging data may face challenges not only with compliance, but also with procurement planning and long-term packaging strategy.
PCR Mandates Still Face Practical Challenges
PCR mandates and recycled content requirements remained another major focus area.
One of the clearest themes from these sessions was that demand ultimately drives the system. Increasing PCR usage requires companies to consistently purchase recycled materials at scale to improve economics and support infrastructure investment.
However, technical limitations remain significant. Food-grade PCR films, multilayer packaging structures, and high-performance applications continue to create challenges for many producers. Easier opportunities still exist in products like plastic pallets and trash bins, but incorporating PCR into more complex packaging formats remains difficult.
There was also debate around strict PCR mandates versus more flexible portfolio-based approaches. Some stakeholders argued that strict requirements create certainty and guarantee demand, while others emphasized the need for flexibility due to supply limitations and technical constraints.
Source Reduction and Infrastructure Development
Sessions on eco-modulation and source reduction highlighted how difficult packaging optimization is becoming. In some cases, packaging changes designed to improve recyclability or qualify for eco-modulated fee reductions may increase package weight or overall material usage to maintain functionality. Companies are increasingly balancing recyclability, source reduction, PCR incorporation, product protection, and cost management at the same time.
The conference also reinforced the importance of infrastructure investment. As recycling systems improve and end markets become more stable, many speakers believe EPR systems will become more efficient over time. However, continued investment in collection, sorting, processing, and domestic PCR manufacturing capacity will be necessary to reach that point. While PCR material may sometimes be cheaper overseas, many speakers emphasized the importance of supporting U.S.-based recycling infrastructure to improve long-term supply chain stability and resilience.
Final Thoughts
SPC Impact 2026 reflected an industry rapidly moving from planning into execution. EPR, PCR mandates, eco modulation, and source reduction are no longer separate sustainability discussions. They are becoming interconnected business challenges that directly affect operations, packaging design, procurement, and financial planning.
For 3R Sustainability, one of the biggest takeaways from the conference was that companies with strong internal coordination, reliable packaging data, and proactive planning will be in the strongest position as these programs continue evolving across the United States and the EU through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).