As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging laws roll out across the United States, a coalition of industry leaders has launched EPR Academy, a first-of-its-kind training platform designed to help businesses understand and comply with these complex regulations.
With EPR packaging laws now active in California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Maine, companies are facing new and unfamiliar compliance demands. From collecting packaging data to understanding reporting timelines, the road to compliance can be overwhelming. That’s where EPR Academy comes in.
Helping Companies Navigate a Shifting Regulatory Landscape
“EPR programs require companies to understand the rules, build internal systems, collect the right data, and issue timely reports,” explained Dr. Michael Washburn, Executive Director of EPR Academy and a recognized leader in EPR policy. “For many businesses, this is unfamiliar territory. The Academy helps cut through the complexity, making the requirements easier to understand and act on.”
The first major reporting deadline — Oregon’s — is already behind us (March 31, 2025), with Colorado and California deadlines fast approaching. Each state has its own set of regulations and timelines, and many companies are struggling to keep up.
EPR Academy consolidates critical information in one accessible platform, allowing regulatory and compliance professionals to get up to speed quickly and efficiently.
A Cross-Sector Coalition Behind the Effort
The EPR Academy knowledge partners and sponsors include:
- RLG (Reverse Logistics Group) – Knowledge Partner
- Household and Commercial Products Association (HCPA) – Sponsor
- Independent Beauty Association (IBA) – Sponsor
- Washburn Consulting: Sustainability & Public Affairs – Sponsor
“This one-stop resource is much needed in the market,” said Brad Wright, Executive Vice President for the Americas at RLG. “EPR Academy provides a robust, practical tool for compliance managers, and we’re thrilled to support this initiative.”
Practical, Accessible Guidance for a Complicated Space
For many industries, EPR requirements are brand new — and daunting. That’s why trade associations are rallying behind resources like EPR Academy that help their members implement effective systems.
“Companies in our industry are eager to meet their compliance obligations, but navigating different EPR laws across states can be overwhelming,” said Molly Blessing, Vice President of Sustainability & Product Stewardship at HCPA. “EPR Academy delivers the kind of clear, actionable guidance our members need.”
Ready to Get Started?
EPR Academy is now live and accepting registrations. If you or your team need to better understand EPR packaging requirements—or just want to ensure you’re staying ahead of evolving regulations—this course is for you.
Visit www.learnepr.com to learn more and register.
Media Contact:
Michael Washburn
Director, EPR Academy
michael@washburn-consulting.com
602-499-3130
Diana Alpeza
Communications Manager, RLG
Diana.Alpeza@rev-log.com
