Create a free Packaging World account to continue reading

SPC Impact 2026: EPR Moves from Theory to Operational Reality

As EPR rules take shape, companies are rethinking packaging strategy around compliance, data, and real-world performance in recovery systems.

Anne Marie Mohan, Senior Editor
May 6, 2026

For brands navigating today’s packaging landscape, EPR is quickly becoming a core business issue, influencing everything from data systems and material choices to long-term packaging strategy. It was a topic that came up repeatedly during the recent SPC Impact 2026 conference in Nashville.

Two women seated on tall chairs during a professional panel discussion or interviewFrom left, Amanda Humes, Conagra Brands, and Brie Seferian, Mondelēz InternationalPackaging World

Related Stories
Man in striped navy and gold sweater speaking on stage during presentation
Sustainability
SPC Impact 2026: Keynote from Multi-platinum Artist Focuses on Movement Building
Presenter on stage displaying sustainability and material recycling disposal instructions with QR codes on large screen
Recycling
SPC Impact 2026: How2Recycle Rethinks Film Recovery Labels
Sustainable Packaging Coalition 2026 Trends Report cover featuring packaging design, innovation, policy and recovery icons
Sustainability
SPC Trends Report Examines Packaging Beyond Regulation
Ideal for VFFS lines, it delivers superior grip on packaging film, food-safe compliance, and reliable performance even in demanding environments.
Sponsor Content
Ideal for VFFS lines, it delivers superior grip on packaging film, food-safe compliance, and reliable performance even in demanding environments.
Machinery Basics
View More »
Maxresdefault 67c1de1c5078b
Thermoform/fill/seal
Video Explainer on Thermoforms and Vacuum Packs for Proteins
Package This guide cover featuring liquid filling equipment machinery and packaging solutions from Packaging World and ProSource 2026
Filling/capping, liquid & viscous
A Video Overview of Liquid Filling Machines
Vertical form/fill/seal packaging equipment guide cover with machinery illustration and 2026 branding
Form/fill/seal - vertical
What Can You Package on a Vertical Form/Fill/Seal Machine?
Packaging This guide cover featuring packaging inspection equipment overview with bottle and magnifying glass illustration
Inspect/detect/checkweigh/x-ray
Quality Control Masters: The Ultimate Guide to Packaging Inspection Equipment
View More »
Top Stories
Two professionals at industrial equipment trade show booth with yellow and black ECCO machinery
Digital Transformation
Live at PACK EXPO: Private Label Brand 3Fish Weighs Cobots, AI, and Club Packs
Ben McCafferty, vice president at the Charlotte-area maker of crab cakes, empanadas, and USDA products, explains that cobots, once pricey, now pay back in a year to 18 months on multi-shift operations, and how AI can turn machine data into improvements on the floor.
Intralox Linear Transfer Unit at PACK EXPO International
Conveying & accumulation
Live at PACK EXPO: Molson Coors Swaps Side Transfers for Linear Conveying
Three professionals examine colorful consumer product bottles displayed on curved tables at a trade show booth with blue and orange Bpda branding.
PACK EXPO
PACK EXPO International 2026 Delivers Innovation, Connections, and Business Opportunities in Chicago
Professional at Pack Expo booth #LU-7503 demonstrating packaging equipment under red umbrella display
Bulk handling/filling equipment
Vacuum Lifter from UltraSource Simplifies Material Handling
ATEX and HazLoc: The High Stakes of Non-Compliance in Hazardous Areas
Sponsor Content
ATEX and HazLoc: The High Stakes of Non-Compliance in Hazardous Areas
Need help with your packaging project?
We’ve done the legwork to identify and vet experienced packaging and processing consultants you can contact directly for your next project. Decades of combined experience in packaging line engineering, machinery selection, package and materials development, and food processing operations.
See your advisor options now.
Need help with your packaging project?
Your liquid filling supplier shortlist starts here
30+ suppliers across sachets, pouches, bag-in-box, and stick packs. Free, no search required.
Read More
Your liquid filling supplier shortlist starts here
Products
Industrial automated packaging machine with conveyor belt, control panel, and labeling equipment
Bradman Lake Showcases Next-generation Packaging Automation at PACK EXPO International
See Bradman Lake's FT-iFLEX Flow Wrapper, Intelligent Motion Loader (IML), SL903 End Load Cartoner, HS Carton Former, IL120 Carton Closer, and IB30 Bagger In Booth S-1742.
Pre-made Pouch Filling Equipment and AI-driven Connected Technology
Compact Electronic Vacuum Sensors and Switches
More Products
In Print
Packaging World October 2026
October 2026
Packaging World PEI Showcase 2026
PEI Showcase 2026
Packaging World September 2026
September 2026
Packaging World July/August 2026
July/August 2026
SubscribeArchives
Downloads
View More »
Industrial robotic arms packaging and palletizing cardboard boxes in a modern warehouse automation facility
Case/Tray Packing
Pack It, Stack It, Ship It
Scientist in white lab coat examines Persil and Somat products in modern laboratory setting with equipment and windows.
Recycling
Both a Brand Owner & Adhesive Supplier, Henkel Designs for Recyclability
Cobot palletizing solutions comparison matrix displayed on laptop and tablet screens showing FANUC and multiple vendor options
Robotics
Cobot Palletizers: Complete Supplier Directory
Packaging World logo with researched list of flexible packaging filling machines for liquids displayed on laptop and tablet screens
Filling, Capping & Closing
Flexible Liquid Filling Machines: Supplier Directory
View More »