Legacy Public Policy

Navigating The Evolving Packaging Landscape

Legacy Public Policy is a Washington, DC-based consulting firm helping clients navigate the rapidly evolving packaging policy landscape. Our goal is to help enable a circular economy.

Seven states have now enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws, with more on the way. EPR is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Recyclability labeling restrictions, PFAS bans, recycled content mandates, and new federal guidance are reshaping how companies design, market, and manage packaging.

We provide strategic guidance to industry associations, non-profits, and companies across all of these areas. From legislative advocacy to regulatory comment development, LPP helps clients stay ahead of policy changes, not simply react to them.

Extended Producer Responsibility

EPR for packaging is no longer theoretical. It is here. Seven states have enacted comprehensive packaging EPR laws, with programs now moving from planning into implementation.

If you are (or represent) a manufacturer, retailer, brand owner, or distributor, you need answers to critical questions:

Who is considered a "producer" under these laws?
What are the registration deadlines and reporting requirements in each state?
What packaging materials and products are covered?
How will fees be calculated, and what eco-modulation factors apply?
How do I work with Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) like Circular Action Alliance?
What source reduction and recycled content mandates must I meet, and by when?
Legacy Public Policy brings firsthand experience from inside the PRO system, having served as a Founding Board Member of Circular Action Alliance.

Packaging Policy Engagement

The regulatory landscape for packaging is shifting rapidly and goes beyond extended producer responsibility. New laws and rules are emerging at the state and federal level, often with tight compliance timelines and significant penalties for non-compliance.

Legacy Public Policy helps organizations understand and respond to:

State recycled content mandates now in effect in states including California, New Jersey, and Washington
Recyclability labeling requirements, including California SB 343 and its restrictions on chasing arrows symbols
PFAS bans and disclosure requirements affecting food packaging and other materials
Ongoing updates to the FTC Green Guides governing environmental marketing claims
Federal agency guidance from EPA and others on recycling, recycled content, and compostable claims
Active legislation across the country that could affect everyone's packaging decisions

Why Legacy Public Policy

Insider PRO Experience: Founding Board Member of Circular Action Alliance, the first state-approved packaging PRO in the United States
Decades of Industry Leadership: Extensive government relations experience working for consumer packaged goods companies, with board leadership at AMERIPEN, the EPR Leadership Forum, and flexible packaging coalitions
Deep Technical Knowledge: Practical understanding of recycling systems, material types, fee structures, and covered product definitions
Active in the Arena: Currently engaged in legislative advocacy in states developing legislation and rulemakings
End-to-End Perspective: Experience spanning legislation, rulemaking, and corporate implementation. We understand the full lifecycle of packaging policy

What Legacy Public Policy Can Do For You

Policy Intelligence

Stay informed with monitoring and analysis of packaging legislation and regulation across all 50 states.

Legislative Advocacy

Engage effectively in the legislative process. We provide strategic counsel, develop testimony, coordinate with coalitions, and represent client interests directly with lawmakers and staff.

Regulatory Engagement

Shape the rules that govern your industry. We draft regulatory comments, participate in public proceedings, and help clients influence implementation at state agencies and federal bodies including EPA and FTC.

Compliance Strategy

Understand your obligations and develop a path to compliance. We help clients navigate producer registration, reporting requirements, fee structures, and material classification across multiple state programs.

Industry Engagement

Leverage our deep relationships with leading packaging organizations to amplify your voice and stay connected to industry-wide efforts.

Testimonials

Dan Felton, CEO of Flexible Packaging Association

"During my time as Executive Director of AMERIPEN, the only organization exclusively focused on U.S. public policy for the entire packaging industry, I found Mark to be a passionate and trusted leader on our Board of Directors. His deep knowledge and understanding on all things packaging helped drive smart and effective policies with legislators. Mark will be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex environment of ever-changing packaging public policy."

Jeff Fielkow, CEO of Circular Action Alliance

"Mark was a critical partner as a board member in helping establish and expand the Circular Action Alliance, the first Producer Responsibility Organization for paper and packaging in the United States. His experience and deep understanding of packaging and Extended Producer Responsibility from legislation to regulatory developments and implementation make him a valuable, thoughtful, and strategic partner for any organization navigating the evolving packaging landscape."

What's your legacy?