EMAF Institute for Environmental Studies

The mission of the Institute is to create tools and information that can be used to educate the paper-based communications industry

Understanding EPR for Envelope & Mail Producers

Extended Producer Responsibility laws are expanding rapidly across the United States, and envelope manufacturers need to know where they stand. EPR frameworks require producers of packaging and paper products to register with designated programs, report on materials sold into each state, and pay fees that fund recycling infrastructure, with obligations that vary significantly from state to state.

The EMA Foundation’s Institute for Environmental Studies is tracking EPR developments on behalf of EMA members, with a focus on what these laws mean specifically for envelope manufacturers and mail producers. This page is your starting point.

This page tracks paper and packaging EPR only. It does not cover EPR programs for electronics, paint, mattresses, tires, or other product categories.

Last updated: August 2026

EPR State Legislation Status: Paper & Packaging

EMA Foundation — Institute for Environmental Studies | Paper & packaging EPR only | Updated August 10, 2026 | Hover states for details

Live / ActiveProgram in effect. Obligations apply now.

Live — Active litigation ⚠Program in effect with significant legal challenge underway.

Enacted — RulemakingLaw passed; regulations being developed.

PendingActive legislation, not yet enacted.

No current activityNo enacted or pending EPR law.

⚠ Oregon — Decision imminent: Five-day federal bench trial (NAW v. Feldon) concluded July 13–17, 2026. Judge Simon has stated a decision will be issued by end of August 2026. This is the first federal court to test the constitutionality of a state EPR law on a full evidentiary record — outcome could reshape producer obligations nationwide. Program remains fully in effect for all non-NAW producers.

⚠ Colorado — Two active lawsuits: ILMA v. CDPHE (Denver District Court, March 12, 2026) and NAW v. Ryan (U.S. District Court, July 30, 2026, with preliminary injunction motion pending). Program fully in effect for all producers — no injunction granted in either case.

⚠ California — Multiple proceedings: NAW federal lawsuit + 17 Republican AGs lawsuit + Earth Island Institute/Californians Against Waste intervention. All compliance deadlines remain in effect. Producer registration was due June 1; baseline data due July 1; program starts January 1, 2027.

Map current as of August 2026. EMA updates this map periodically.

About These State One-Pagers

Seven states have enacted paper and packaging EPR laws that may affect envelope manufacturers, mail producers, and their customers. The Institute for Environmental Studies developed a one-pager for each of these states to give EMA members a practical, plain-language snapshot of what is happening, what is required, and what to watch.

A note on legal advice:

These one-pagers are practical briefings intended to help members understand the landscape — they are not legal advice. EPR laws are complex and evolving rapidly. We strongly recommend consulting qualified legal counsel to determine how any of these requirements apply to your specific products and operations.

State One-Pagers

Click any state to download the full one-pager as a PDF.