May 20, 2026
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET.
Online

EPR laws are changing how plastics and packaging are designed, collected, and recycled in the U.S. This class reviews what the current EPR framework in the US is. We discuss how state-level EPR programs operate, including producer fees, recyclability criteria, and infrastructure investment. Discussion includes how these policies affect materials selection, product design, and supply chain decisions. Challenges associated with navigating the patchwork nature of the regulatory environment are also addressed.
If you can't attend the session live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recording will be available after the session.
This course is designed for professionals who work with plastics, packaging, and sustainability strategies and need to understand the evolving U.S. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) landscape, including:
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are rapidly changing how plastics and packaging are designed, collected, financed, and recycled in the United States. As more states adopt EPR programs, companies must adapt to new producer fees, recyclability requirements, and reporting obligations.
This course provides a clear overview of the current U.S. EPR framework and explains how state-level laws impact material selection, packaging design, and business strategy. It is designed to help organizations move from compliance awareness to informed decision-making.
You will learn:
EPR laws are reshaping the U.S. packaging and plastics landscape, shifting financial and operational responsibility upstream to producers. Decisions made today about materials, designs, and supply chains will determine future compliance costs and market competitiveness.
This course matters because it:
| SPE Premium Member | FREE |
| SPE Members | $45 |
| SPE Student Members | $25 |
| (Student but not a student member? Join SPE for free to get program discounts!) | |
| Nonmembers | $249 |
Not an SPE member? Join today and attend this workshop at a discounted rate!
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Nicole Zacharia, Ph.D.
Program Director for Online Engineering Programs in Polymers
University of Wisconsin - Madison
LinkedIn
Dr. Zacharia was trained as a materials scientist (MIT) focusing in bio and polymeric materials, followed by a postdoc at the University of Toronto. She was faculty at Texas A&M University in mechanical engineering and then at the University of Akron in Polymer Engineering. Since 2019 she has been at the University of Wisconsin Madison, where she is the Program Director for online engineering programs in polymers.
For questions, contact Iván D. López.
This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.
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Full refund 14 days prior to the event start date. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.
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