May 7, 2025 • Posted in Market Insights

Sustainable Regulations in the Plastics Industry

Sustainability initiatives are rapidly reshaping the global plastics industry, influencing how plastic products are designed, produced and disposed of. To stay ahead, plastic producers must understand key regulatory trends that impact their operations, including plastic bans, extended producer responsibility (EPR) and recycled content requirements.

Types of Sustainable
Regulations Plastics
Producers Need to Know

Step 1
Plastic Bans prohibit specific plastic applications or materials.
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Single-use plastic bans

Affected products: Straws, bags, containers, etc.

Impact: Limiting single-use plastics encourages alternatives that are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bans

PFAS are “forever chemicals” that increase product durability but pose long-term environmental and health risks.

Impact: Current bans focus on specific harmful chemicals, but potential blanket bans could disrupt key industries including automotive and healthcare.

Step 2
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts waste management responsibility to producers.
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Global Adoption: The European Union, Canada, South Korea and multiple U.S. states have implemented EPR regulations, requiring producers to take an active role in reducing product waste.

Impact: EPR incentivizes sustainable product design for easy recycling, reuse or disposal.

Step 3
Recycled Content Requirements mandate a minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in products.
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Affected products: Beverage containers, trash bags, personal care packaging, etc.

Impact: PCR requirements increase demand for recycled materials, sometimes beyond current capacity. However, initiatives to boost availability and quality such as improved recycling infrastructure and dedicated recycling streams are working.

Step 1
Plastic Bans prohibit specific plastic applications or materials.
Icon
Single-use plastic bans

Affected products: Straws, bags, containers, etc.

Impact: Limiting single-use plastics encourages alternatives that are reusable, recyclable or biodegradable.

Icon
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bans

PFAS are “forever chemicals” that increase product durability but pose long-term environmental and health risks.

Impact: Current bans focus on specific harmful chemicals, but potential blanket bans could disrupt key industries including automotive and healthcare.

Step 2
Icon
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) shifts waste management responsibility to producers.

Global Adoption: The European Union, Canada, South Korea and multiple U.S. states have implemented EPR regulations, requiring producers to take an active role in reducing product waste.

Impact: EPR incentivizes sustainable product design for easy recycling, reuse or disposal.

Step 3
Icon
Recycled Content Requirements mandate a minimum percentage of post-consumer recycled (PCR) material in products.

Affected products: Beverage containers, trash bags, personal care packaging, etc.

Impact: PCR requirements increase demand for recycled materials, sometimes beyond current capacity. However, initiatives to boost availability and quality such as improved recycling infrastructure and dedicated recycling streams are working.

Preparing for Sustainable Regulations
Diversify
Resin Options
Qualify multiple resins to safeguard material supply.
Design for
Sustainability
Prioritize recyclability, reuse and safe disposal in product design.
Track Product
Life Cycle
Monitor and optimize product life cycles from cradle to grave.
Test PCR Materials
Start experimenting with PCR to determine an optimal blend.
Invest in Recycling Infrastructure
Support and invest in systems that improve recycling rates and product recovery.
Monitor PFAS
Track PFAS use and seek alternative materials.
Collaborate with
Distributors
Partner with a distributor that provides a variety of sustainable material options.
Ready to
Learn More?
Click on a topic above to read more.

M. Holland is committed to enabling a more sustainable future for plastics. Technical development engineers and regulatory experts are available to assist our customers with changing material requirements and regulations. Explore M. Holland’s Sustainability group and line card to learn more.

Click below to download the sustainable regulations infographic for future reference.

More from M. Holland:

Navigating the Path to Zero-Waste Packaging in the Plastics Industry

The Growing Impact of PCR Laws on Plastic Packaging and Products

Engineering Insights: Start Testing Sustainable Plastics Now to Meet Future Demand

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