GS1 US has published a new resource designed to help companies prepare for rapidly expanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging regulations across the United States.

The new document, titled “GS1 US Guidance for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Packaging Requirements,” was developed by the GS1 US Cross-Industry EPR Workgroup and aims to support businesses facing increasingly complex packaging reporting obligations.

Why EPR Compliance Is Becoming a Major Business Issue

EPR laws require producers to take financial and operational responsibility for packaging waste after products reach end-of-life.

Currently:

• Seven U.S. states have enacted packaging EPR laws
• Additional states are evaluating similar legislation
• Reporting requirements continue expanding
• Packaging data accuracy is becoming critical for compliance

As regulations grow, companies must collect and submit detailed packaging information to designated Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

What the New Guidance Covers

The guidance helps organizations establish a standardized approach to packaging data management.

It is intended for:

• Brand owners
• Retailers
• Foodservice companies
• Healthcare manufacturers
• Apparel companies
• General merchandise suppliers
• Technology solution providers

The resource also supports multiple departments, including:

• Sustainability teams
• Packaging engineers
• Legal departments
• Product development teams
• Supply chain managers
• Master data specialists

How GS1 Standards Support EPR Reporting

The guidance demonstrates how companies can use established GS1 standards to simplify packaging compliance.

Key standards include:

Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs)

Used to uniquely identify products and packaging.

Global Location Numbers (GLNs)

Used to identify business locations throughout the supply chain.

These standards help companies:

• Track packaging materials
• Capture packaging weights
• Record sustainability attributes
• Improve reporting consistency
• Reduce compliance errors

Benefits for Packaging Data Management

According to GS1 US, adopting standardized packaging data structures can help organizations:

Improve Accuracy

Consistent product and packaging identification reduces reporting mistakes.

Enhance Transparency

Supply chain partners can exchange packaging information more efficiently.

Simplify Compliance

Standardized reporting processes lower administrative burden as new EPR programs emerge.

Build Stronger Sustainability Foundations

Better packaging data supports broader circular economy initiatives and sustainability reporting.

Industry-Specific Applications

Healthcare

Supports management of packaging data for medical and consumer healthcare products.

Foodservice

Improves reporting for paper products, foodservice packaging, and single-use items.

Retail and Consumer Goods

Provides visibility across complex packaging structures and multi-level packaging hierarchies.

Why This Matters for the Packaging Industry

The packaging industry is entering a new compliance era.

Historically, packaging decisions focused on:

• Cost
• Performance
• Product protection
• Branding

Today, companies must also consider:

• Recyclability
• Material composition
• Packaging recovery costs
• EPR reporting obligations
• Circular economy requirements

Accurate packaging data is becoming as important as packaging design itself.

Industry Insight

For packaging manufacturers, converters, and brand owners, EPR compliance is creating demand for stronger digital traceability systems.

Companies that establish standardized packaging data frameworks today will likely face lower compliance costs and fewer reporting challenges as additional EPR programs are introduced across North America.

The trend also aligns closely with global regulations such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which similarly emphasizes packaging transparency, recyclability, and producer responsibility.

Final Thought

The new EPR packaging reporting guidance from GS1 US highlights how regulatory compliance is reshaping packaging data management. As more states introduce EPR legislation, companies that invest in standardized product identification, packaging data accuracy, and supply chain transparency will be better positioned to manage future reporting requirements and sustainability goals.

Last Updated on 04/06/2026 by Jota Machinery