As we kick off 2026, lawmakers wasted no time in preparing for the coming year. While the US was celebrating the holidays, federal and state officials were busy introducing resolutions and measures that could significantly impact the industry this year. Here’s your quick catch-up on what happened while you were away!

Federal and state resolutions focus on advancing recycling technology, introducing standards for recyclable packaging, and minimizing plastic waste. Notable measures include the Design for Recycling resolution in California, which calls on manufacturers to rethink packaging with recyclability in mind. California Representative Lou Correa introduced this resolution, highlighting the importance of selecting recyclable materials and refining product design for end-of-life recovery. The resolution reflects a growing concern that technological advances in collection and processing are not enough to meet waste-reduction goals. Instead, manufacturers are urged to redesign their packaging systems to focus on recyclability from the start, improving material recovery and reducing waste.

Meanwhile, Republicans in the US House of Representatives proposed the Recycling Technology Innovation Act to classify chemical recycling as a manufacturing process, aiming to boost innovation in plastics recycling. Dan Crenshaw of Texas and Gary Palmer of Alabama introduced the bill, positioning it as a move to unlock innovation in America’s plastics recycling sector and strengthen domestic manufacturing. This bill would offer regulatory clarity and support infrastructure investment, which could make chemical recycling a viable alternative to traditional recycling methods, contributing to the circular economy by converting plastic waste back into usable materials.

Further, in Illinois, a new program has been introduced to manage paint recycling more effectively, while in North Carolina, the state’s new law on tire disposal is credited with stimulating the state’s scrap tire recycling program. These initiatives underscore how states are driving environmental solutions across various industries, making recycling a key focus for lawmakers at all levels. States like North Carolina are leveraging disposal fees to fund recycling programs, which boosts local economies and drives investments in recycling infrastructure.

The landscape for packaging and recycling is undergoing significant transformation as both federal and state governments push for stronger regulatory frameworks. As the year progresses, the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act, chemical recycling advancements, and state-level recycling programs will undoubtedly shape the packaging sector. Companies in the packaging industry will need to quickly adapt to these new regulations to ensure compliance and remain competitive in an increasingly sustainable and regulated market. Additionally, the potential for new forms of packaging and recycling technologies, such as smart packaging and biodegradable alternatives, is creating new opportunities for innovation across the supply chain.

With 2026 well underway, the packaging industry must prepare for a year of rapid changes, with new policies paving the way for greater sustainability, recycling innovation, and more transparent packaging solutions. As environmental and regulatory pressures continue to mount, businesses will be expected to adopt more sustainable practices, which could lead to long-term benefits for both the industry and the planet. Keep an eye on these legislative updates, as they will be central to shaping the future of the packaging sector, driving both innovation and responsibility in the marketplace.