PACK Act

Prevention of Deceptive Claims: The bill prohibits people from claiming packaging is recyclable, compostable, or reusable if it is not actually such, which protects consumers from being misled (Section 2(a)(1)(A), 2(a)(2)(A), and 2(a)(3)(A)).

Increased Transparency for Consumers: For recyclable items, the bill requires companies to clearly explain the availability of recycling programs and collection sites, including the percentage of communities that have access (Section 2(a)(1)(B)).

Improved Information for Compostable Packaging: The bill requires a qualifying description for compostable claims if the packaging cannot be composted safely or in a timely manner in a home compost pile or device (Section 2(a)(2)(C)(i)).

Mandated Means for Reuse: For any unqualified claim of reusability, the person must provide a system for collection and reuse or offer a product that can be purchased to reuse the original packaging (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).

Standardized Packaging Identifiers: The bill regulates the use of resin identification codes to ensure packaging that is not eligible for certain claims does not use specific symbols (Section 2(a)(4)).

Requirement for Third-Party Certification: A person cannot make claims regarding compostable, recyclable, or reusable packaging unless an accredited third-party certification body has certified that claim (Section 2(a)(5)).

Strict Definitions for Recyclability: Packaging can be deemed "not recyclable" if any component significantly limits the ability to recycle it or if the shape or size of the packaging prevents it from being accepted in recycling programs (Section 2(a)(1)(D)).

Limited State Authority: States and their political subdivisions are prohibited from establishing or enforcing any legal requirement that is not identical to the requirements set forth in this specific section (Section 2(c)(3)).