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Testing & SpecsEPR-Ready Packaging That Meets
As global awareness of packaging waste grows, governments are shifting the responsibility for environmental impact onto the producers and consumers of packaging materials through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. These policies are rapidly reshaping the packaging landscape and RecyCoolers are designed to help businesses not just comply, but lead.
Understanding EPR: What It Means for Your Business
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes manufacturers and producers financially and legally responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging materials — including collection, recycling, and end-of-life disposal.
The goal is to reduce landfill waste, increase recycling rates, and encourage the design of more sustainable, circular packaging solutions.
33+ U.S. states have already adopted EPR laws, with several — including California, Oregon, Washington, and New Jersey — focusing specifically on packaging materials.
EPS foam and single-use plastics are being targeted first due to their low recyclability, high environmental impact, and long decomposition timelines.
EPR programs are also expanding globally, with Canada, Germany, France, and others enacting similar legislation.
For companies still relying on Traditional Foam Coolers and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), these laws pose a significant financial and regulatory risk — and in some regions, outright bans are already in place.
100% Curbside Recyclable
RecyCoolers are made entirely from post-consumer and post-industrial paper, meaning they can be recycled in any standard household or commercial recycling stream — This reduces the burden on municipal waste systems and helps fulfill EPR requirements without additional costs or take-back programs.
No EPS, No Problem
Unlike EPS foam and plastic-based coolers, which are being phased out by policy, RecyCoolers are constructed from non-toxic, and recyclable materials, eliminating compliance concerns and long-term environmental liabilities.
Supports Circular Economy Goals
By giving new life to recycled paper and being recyclable again after use, RecyCoolers fit seamlessly into the circular economy model that EPR policies are designed to promote. This helps companies meet their sustainability metrics and corporate social responsibility goals.
Third-Party Validated Performance
With up to 150+ hours of thermal protection and full 3rd party validation to ISTA Thermal and Transit standards, making the switch to RecyCoolers becomes seamless, without compromise.
The Takeaway: Act Now, Stay Compliant, Lead with Sustainability
EPR is not a distant regulation — it’s happening now, and it’s only expanding. Businesses that delay adapting will face increased costs, reduced options, and greater risk as bans and penalties intensify.
By choosing RecyCoolers, you’re making a smart, future-focused decision that protects your products, your customers, and your brand reputation — all while supporting global sustainability goals.
→ Ready to stay ahead of EPR? Talk to us about integrating RecyCoolers into your supply chain.