If your business operates in Oregon, you may have heard about the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which went into effect this summer. Even if your operations aren’t currently impacted, other states are likely to follow suit, so it’s worth getting familiar with what’s ahead.
Here’s what you need to know about this legislation:
This legislation is part of a growing shift toward more sustainable practices, especially when it comes to product packaging and shipping. Taking steps now to align with these goals can help make your operations more efficient and environmentally friendly. It’s a win for your business and the planet!
As of July 1, 2025, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act introduces new rules aimed at making it easier for Oregon residents to recycle. The legislation has three main goals:
Here’s how the new regulations work toward those objectives:
Two companion bills are also in motion: one will require products to be labeled with Oregon-specific recycling information in the coming years, and another will ban Styrofoam food containers beginning in January 2026.
Plastic packaging is a major driver behind the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. While plastic pollution is a global issue, it’s especially concerning in the United States. Americans generate more plastic waste than any other country, much of it from food packaging, shipped parcels, and everyday household items that eventually get tossed in the trash.
Our reliance on plastic has only grown. For example, soft drinks were once commonly sold in reusable glass bottles. But starting in the 1970s, plastic became the dominant packaging material due to its lightweight design and low cost.
Beyond packaging, the rise of disposable consumer culture has made the problem worse. Americans once bought products made from natural materials intended to last. Today, cheaper items made of synthetic materials are often discarded within a few years.
From fast fashion to fast food, plastic has become embedded in the way we consume and it’s contributing to a growing environmental crisis.
The internet and online shopping have added to the problem, introducing more plastic into circulation—much of it in the form of packaging that can’t easily be recycled. Some items, like plastic bubble or air pillows, may claim to be recyclable, but in reality they can only be processed at specialized facilities that most communities don’t have access to.
So what happens when plastic can’t be recycled? Some of it is incinerated, contributing to air pollution. The rest ends up in landfills or as litter in natural environments, where it can linger for decades or even centuries. Unlike paper or other biodegradable materials, plastic doesn’t break down easily, posing long-term risks to ecosystems and public health.
As plastic breaks down, it leaches harmful chemicals into the soil and water. These toxins can make their way into rivers, oceans, and even drinking water sources, eventually being ingested by animals and humans in the form of microplastics.
Microplastics are now linked to a wide range of health issues in humans, including:
The effects on wildlife are just as concerning. Microplastics are associated with feeding issues, organ damage, and reduced fertility in animals. And when humans consume fish and other meat with high microplastic concentrations, they increase their exposure to the same harmful chemicals.
While the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act currently applies only in Oregon, it’s likely that other states will soon follow suit with similar Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. In fact, California, Colorado, Maine, and Minnesota have already passed comparable legislation.
If your business operates in or ships to one of these states, it’s a good idea to get ahead of potential packaging requirements. Even if you’re not legally required to comply yet, Oregon’s framework offers a strong model for sustainability. Taking proactive steps now not only positions your business ahead of emerging regulations, it also aligns with packaging mandates already in effect across Europe.
Switching to sustainable packaging can also help you avoid higher fees under these new laws. But the benefits go beyond cost savings.
HexcelPack’s paper-based packaging solutions provide superior protection compared to traditional plastic options:
By integrating more sustainable packaging now, you’ll reduce waste, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of regulatory shifts.
Whether your business is based in Oregon or you're simply looking to reduce your reliance on plastic, HexcelPack is here to help. Our team can assess your current packaging process and recommend paper-based alternatives that align with your operational goals and sustainability commitments.
Making the switch to smarter, recyclable packaging starts with a simple conversation. Contact our team today to explore solutions that protect your products and the planet.