Congress Eyes New Federal Roles in Recycling
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing titled “Beyond the Blue Bin: Forging a Federal Landscape for Recycling Innovation and Economic Growth.” The Congressional hearing, held on July 16, 2025, spotlighted two major federal policy proposals aimed at modernizing the U.S. recycling system, which could have significant implications for the label and packaging manufacturing industry.
Incentivizing Domestic Recycling Investment
Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) introduced the bipartisan Cultivating Investment in Recycling and Circular Local Economies (CIRCLE) Act of 2025. This act proposes a 30% investment tax credit over 10 years for qualified investments in new or upgraded recycling infrastructure. Local municipalities investing in waste reduction would receive a direct rebate. The Recycling Partnership estimates that the CIRCLE Act could unlock over $30 billion in economic benefits, create 200,000 new jobs, and return 169 million tons of recyclables to domestic markets.
Creating a National Labeling Standard
Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) announced plans to introduce the Packaging Claims and Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025. This act aims to establish a national framework for labeling claims about compostability, recyclability, and reusability under the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act. The goal is to eliminate the patchwork of state-level labeling requirements, allowing manufacturers to comply with a single national standard. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would have primary oversight authority.
Additional Bipartisan Recycling Legislation
Four additional bipartisan bills discussed during the hearing aim to modernize the U.S. recycling system through data transparency, infrastructure investment, and community access:
- The Strategies To Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development Act of 2025 (S. 351) also known as The STEWARD Act: This act establishes a federal grant program to support state and local recycling programs, enhance public education, and promote market development for recycled materials.
- Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act (RIAA) of 2025 (H.R. 2145): The RIAA focuses on expanding recycling services in underserved and rural communities by funding infrastructure improvements that increase curbside and drop-off access.
- Recycling and Composting Accountability Act (RCAA) of 2025 (H.R. 4109): The RCAA directs the EPA to collect comprehensive data on recycling and composting systems nationwide. The RCAA would direct the EPA to collect comprehensive data to improve measurement of waste management performance.
- REUSE Act of 2025 (S. 2110): Studies the feasibility and best practices for reuse and refill systems. REUSE would give the EPA two years to study feasibility and best practices.
Mixed Views on Chemical Recycling
The hearing also featured discussions on chemical recycling also known as advanced recycling; these technologies have strong potential for improving the end-of-life options for flexible packaging. Chemical recycling converts used plastic into raw materials for new plastic products. While some raised concerns about environmental risks, others advocated for regulatory support to encourage investment in these technologies.
U.S. Engagement in Global Plastic Treaty Urged
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) called for robust U.S. involvement in the United Nations Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. Industry leaders stressed the importance of having clear legal authority and a unified strategy to influence international outcomes that affect domestic recycling and material trade.
What It Means for Label and Packaging Converters
For the custom-printed label and packaging manufacturing industry, these federal initiatives could impact the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of the U.S. recycling infrastructure. PRINTING United Alliance will continue monitoring these developments and advocating for policies that support innovation, investment, and a circular economy in print and packaging.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a report from PRINTING United Alliance’s Government Affairs Stephanie Buka. Linda Casey, editor-in-chief of Printing Impressions, applied edits to help label and package converters understand how these policies can impact their businesses, and I claim any errors made in this editing process. All the spectacular reporting is from Buka, though, and you can read Buka’s original article at printing.org
Bonus Learning (and Engagement) Opportunity
PRINTING United Alliance’s Advocacy Center can help label and packaging converters voice opinions to federal and state lawmakers. To learn more about this resource and how it can be used to find your legislators, search legislation, and sign up for alerts to help you take action on key issues impacting the printing industry, visit printing.org
Stephanie Buka is the government affairs manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the editor-in-chief of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.
Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.
