AF&PA Expressed Disappointment over Colorado EPR Program

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) expressed concerns that the newly enacted Colorado extended producer responsibility (EPR) program could hurt the state’s recycling efforts. Incidentally, the HB22-1355 was signed into law by Colorado Governor Jared Polis on June 2^nd, thus making Colorado the third state to pass an EPR law for packaging. The program includes paper and paper-based packaging products.

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In a statement, Heidi Brock, CEO, AF&PA noted that the association is disappointed by the enactment of Colorado’s ‘Producer Responsibility Program for Recycling. Paper recycling is a model that works, which is quite evident from the consistently high recycling rates, continuous industry investments and ongoing efforts to promote voluntary recycling. AF&PA believes that EPR is not the right policy approach for sustainable paper and paper-based packaging products, the statement said.

AF&PA noted that the new law does not address systemic issues like barriers to recycling access, underfunded and underdeveloped recycling programs, and the lack of official guidance or municipal recycling governance. It urged Colorado policymakers to work together to address these issues.