Stay informed on DLA Piper insights related to plastics
Plastics are ubiquitous – and we encourage producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers of plastics to remain aware of the evolving legal landscape, opportunities, and risks. Our lawyers are engaged for companies across the plastics product lifecycle, from pre-production to end of life.
Upstream – Building plastics
Stay ahead of the curve with information designed to help businesses navigate the upstream plastics supply chain. From raw material sourcing and transport to pre-production insights, stay up to date on critical legal updates and industry trends concerning plastics before they are used for industrial applications and in consumer goods.
The US Environmental Protection Agency recently unveiled its National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution, a comprehensive document that outlines voluntary measures and regulatory opportunities aimed at promoting the development of a circular economy that reduces materials use.
9 December 2024
The fifth and intended final meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution recently concluded in Busan, South Korea, with negotiators unable to reach a deal on a new global treaty to curb plastic pollution.
6 December 2024
US pivots its stance on the global management of plastic production and pollution, joins "high ambition" coalition of countries advocating for more stringent measures to curb plastic production.
20 August 2024
The Single-Use Plastics Fund Act (EWKFondsG) officially came into force on 1 January 2024. Even though registration in the Federal Environment Agency portal will not be possible until April 2024, all the necessary data must be collected for 2024.
28 March 2024
As of 01 January 2024, the Single-Use Plastics Fund Act which was passed by the German Parliament on 11 May 2023 (BGBl 2023 Part I p124) will come into force.
29 May 2023
HB 1085 reflects a growing recognition that plastic pollution is a complex problem which cannot be laid at any one industry’s feet.
11 May 2023
These significant actions, taken by the largest city in California, are consistent with developments in a growing number of counties and municipalities across the country.
21 December 2022
The intensified regulatory focus on plastics is gaining traction across the US.
10 May 2022
The law affects any product or packaging that fails to meet a California regulator’s strict recyclability criteria. Compliance is crucial.
6 January 2022
Producers would be required to show they are including higher thresholds of post-consumer recycled plastic in thermoform plastic containers manufactured to contain fresh foods.
27 April 2021
Plastics in use
Find key insights on the evolving regulatory landscape of manufacturing and distributing plastic products and packaging in commerce. Stay informed on the latest legal developments, compliance requirements, and industry best practices.
A recent opinion from the Northern District of Illinois may dampen the prospects of plaintiffs seeking to challenge the labeling of bottled beverages based on the presence of microplastics.
21 August 2024
Regulators in five states are moving to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging and other products as rulemaking and compliance deadlines approach. Here is what producers should know as they prepare to operate under these comprehensive new regimes.
5 August 2024
The regulations would place significant and specific requirements on plastic packaging producers to enhance design and create end markets for recycled material.
18 April 2024
Companies relying on plastic (read: essentially every business) should carefully consider EPA’s draft Plastic Pollution Strategy, as it will influence the direction of federal plastics regulation for many years.
9 May 2023
End of life
Master the final phase of the plastics lifecycle – disposal, reuse, and recycling. Explore legal updates and sustainability insights on the last leg of the plastics supply chain. Ensure your business meets regulatory standards and avoids liability pitfalls, turning end-of-life challenges into opportunities for growth on the road to a circular economy.
Four years after the nation’s first extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws set out approaches to making producers financially responsible for managing the disposal of plastics and packaging, much-anticipated compliance will roll out in three states as data reporting and producer fee obligations take effect.
22 January 2025
In recent years, several plastic-related levies have been introduced in Germany. It is not always easy to distinguish between the individual levies in terms of their application.
18 December 2024
A New York state judge dismissed a suit against PepsiCo alleging responsibility for plastics pollution. Meanwhile, similar cases have been initiated in California against PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and ExxonMobil.
19 November 2024
The US Food and Drug Administration has provided a new update affirming their 2022 Final Rule to remove 25 plasticizers in food contact applications, and its denial of a consumer group petition to amend regulations for the food contact use of 28 phthalates.
7 November 2024
On September 22, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, also known as SB 707, requiring manufacturers and distributors to participate in an extended producer responsibility program for apparel and certain textile products.
2 October 2024
Regulators in five states are moving to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging and other products as rulemaking and compliance deadlines approach. Here is what producers should know as they prepare to operate under these comprehensive new regimes.
5 August 2024
The regulations would place significant and specific requirements on plastic packaging producers to enhance design and create end markets for recycled material.
18 April 2024
Companies relying on plastic (read: essentially every business) should carefully consider EPA’s draft Plastic Pollution Strategy, as it will influence the direction of federal plastics regulation for many years.
9 May 2023
SB 4 sets out the country’s most ambitious restrictions on single-use plastics and packaging.
10 July 2022

Webinar: UNEA INC on Plastic Pollution Treaty
Plastic is everywhere. Useful and convenient. Plastic pollution has now become one of the most pressing environmental issues, as rapidly increasing production of disposable plastic products challenges the world’s ability to deal with them.
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Washington state imposes fines on plastic producers; port strike suspended; California adds teeth to PFAS laws.
11 October 2024
California – Clash over climate disclosure rules; Canada – consultation on greenwashing; first ESG case of the Loper-Bright era.
28 August 2024
FDA outlines short-term nutrition agenda, leading grocers will sign Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct Development, FTC and FDA warn companies about delta-8 products’ copycat child-friendly packaging, avian flu update.
26 July 2024
The inaugural issue, scanning the litigation, enforcement, and regulatory horizon to offer bite-sized summaries that help you strategize for what’s next.
24 July 2024
HHS recommends reclassifying marijuana to Schedule III; ECCC addresses environmental impact of food packaging; Congress debates EATS Act.
8 September 2023
First phase of Canada’s single-use plastics ban comes into in effect December 20; FDA extends comment period on “health” rule; BCCDC says dramatic increase in avian influenza cases increases risk of transmission to humans; plus serving sizes, allergens, titanium dioxide.
16 December 2022
Food industry gears up to oppose changes in mandatory food package labeling; plus global avian flu outbreak; crumbles; candy; the correct word for cell-based products.
4 November 2022
Disclosure rule on bioengineered food is now in effect; Senate conducts confirmation hearing for top FDA nominee; new plant-based food packaging fights bacteria.
13 January 2022




























