Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Materials

Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy framework that holds producers financially and legally responsible for the environmental impact of their packaging throughout their lifecycle. EPR laws include packaging data reporting requirements, fees based on material type and weight, and penalties for non-compliance. These programs are designed to improve recycling infrastructure, advance a circular economy, increase recycling rates, and encourage more sustainable packaging choices.

The Circular Action Alliance has published state-by-state resources and guidance: https://circularactionalliance.org/.

Shorr can help you understand how EPR may impact your packaging strategy, but we recommend consulting legal counsel regarding your specific obligations.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether plastic or paper is more sustainable, as there is no universal standard of what makes a product or material “sustainable.” The sustainability of paper versus plastic depends on factors including how the materials are sourced, how they are used, and what happens at the end of their life. Paper is renewable and often recyclable, while plastic can offer durability, lightweighting benefits, and product protection. The best option depends on your product, supply chain, performance requirements, and sustainability goals. Companies should consider a range of factors and prioritize waste reduction and circularity when choosing the packaging that best suits their needs.

PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals," stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are a group of manufactured chemicals incorporated for their resistance to heat, water, and grease. Since PFAS can persist in the environment and accumulate over time, they have become the focus of increasing regulatory scrutiny. PFAS have a strong carbon-fluorine bond, which means they can accumulate in humans and the environment and persist for long periods of time, which may pose serious effects in humans.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated the chemical group as a significant environmental challenge. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken actions to ban and phase out PFAS in food packaging, and several states have implemented restrictions on the intentional use of PFAS in certain packaging product categories (cosmetics, cookware, etc.).

Shorr can help provide PFAS-compliant product documentation and guidance as regulations continue to evolve.

Yes, however, recycling rates in the U.S. remain low due to contamination, collection challenges, mixed-material packaging, and limitations in recycling infrastructure. Recycling remains an important part of a circular economy but reducing material use and increasing reuse opportunities often have a greater impact. Understanding local recycling requirements and proper disposal practices is essential to improving outcomes.

Visit https://plasticfilmrecycling.org/ to find a recycling drop-off center for flexible film near you. The Shorr Sustainability Team can recommend closed loop opportunities to ensure proper disposal and reuse of waste materials from your operations.

Packaging plays an important role in protecting products, but it also contributes to waste generation and environmental impacts. It accounts for on average more than 20% of total landfilled waste (US EPA). Sustainable packaging strategies such as right-sizing, lightweighting/downgauging, incorporating recycled content, improving recyclability potential, and reducing waste can help lower environmental impacts while maintaining product performance. Responsible sourcing practices are also critical in ensuring that packaging materials are obtained in an environmentally responsible way. Lastly, communication to consumers about proper packaging disposal is crucial to ensure responsible end-of-life management. Meaningful progress happens when companies, suppliers, and consumers work together across the supply chain.

Because every organization is at a unique stage, there is no universal answer that applies to all. A good place to begin is by identifying your priorities, whether that's reducing waste, improving recyclability, incorporating recycled content, meeting regulatory requirements, lowering emissions, or supporting circular economy initiatives. Once your goals are defined, you can evaluate opportunities and build a roadmap for improvement. Shorr can help assess your current packaging program and identify the packaging that will help you achieve your sustainability goals.

A circular economy focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, recycling, and recovery. A circular approach aims to minimize waste and maximize material value. Shorr's sustainability approach emphasizes solutions that eliminate waste, innovate packaging designs, and circulate materials to reduce environmental impact.

At Shorr, sustainability means taking actionable steps to eliminate waste and natural resource consumption, innovate products and solutions that create measurable impact, and circulate materials to minimize environmental footprints. We combine these principles with a commitment to successful delivery, helping customers meet both performance and sustainability goals and minimize waste and unnecessary emissions.

Yes. Sustainability regulations continue to evolve, including EPR requirements, PFAS restrictions, recycled content mandates, and other international reporting obligations. Shorr helps customers understand emerging requirements, evaluate packaging impacts, and identify opportunities to improve compliance readiness while supporting broader sustainability goals. We recommend consulting legal counsel regarding your specific obligations.