Navigating the latest North American Regulatory Changes

✅ 2025 Packaging Compliance Checklist

For Food, Beverage & CPG Brands in North America

Stay ahead of U.S. and Canadian regulatory changes with this simple packaging audit guide.

🔍 1. Packaging Materials Audit

✔ Identify all SKUs using:

• Polystyrene (EPS) foam

• Multilayer films that are not recyclable

• Materials with PFAS or ortho-phthalates (PFAS and ortho-phthalate restrictions may require compliance or exemption certificates, especially in states with Toxics in Packaging laws.)

• Non-compostable trays or liners

✔ Flag packaging using:

• Generic recycling symbols

• “Green,” “eco,” or “biodegradable” claims without substantiation (“biodegradable,” “degradable,” or similar terms are prohibited in states like California, Maryland, and Minnesota unless certified compostable.)

♻️ 2. End-of-Life Planning

✔ Confirm your packaging is:

• Curbside recyclable in most jurisdictions or

• Certified compostable (e.g., BPI or ASTM D6400 compliant)

✔ Provide consumers with:

• Clear disposal instructions

• QR codes linking to recycling/composting resources

📊 3. Reporting Readiness (EPR & Plastic Registry)

✔ Assign responsibility for:

• Canadian Federal Plastics Registry reporting (presumed due date Sept 2025, check Environment and Climate Change Canada for the latest timeline, as the deadline is not yet finalized.)

• EPR registration and fee reporting (Ontario, Alberta, Oregon, etc.)

✔ Track:

• Weight and resin codes of materials used

• Product SKUs by province/state

• Disposal method (recyclable, compostable, landfill)

🧪 4. Claim & Label Compliance

✔ For U.S. brands:

• Claims align with California SB 343 standards; SB 343 also applies to compostability claims, requiring ASTM D6400/D6868 certification and specific labeling (e.g., no “chasing arrows” for compostable products)

• You’re preparing for SB 54 recyclability targets (100% recyclable/compostable by 2032)

   

✔ For Canadian brands:

• Front-of-pack nutrition labels are ready* (due Dec 2025) *Exemptions exist for small businesses or certain products like raw single-ingredient foods.

• You’ve reviewed chemical restrictions (e.g., PFAS) at the provincial level (While federal restrictions do not yet exist in Canada, brands should monitor federal developments via Environment and Climate Change Canada)

   

📦 5. Strategic Upgrades

• Consider switching to How2Recycle Pro Labels (adoption requires coordination with GreenBlue and may involve costs.)

• Add QR codes or digital product passports for traceability (EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has set compliance targets as early as 2026, North American brands should anticipate similar legislation)

• Explore stick packs, rollstock, or lidding film material options that align with sustainability goals

• Simplify packaging formats to aid recyclability

Ready to Get Started?

Associated Labels and Packaging is IFS Pacsecure certified, with decades of experience helping brands transition to sustainable, compliant flexible packaging. Let us help you build your compliance strategy with confidence.

Schedule a review and contact us at 1-800-661-4764 or email by at info@associatedlp.com.