- House hearing spotlights national standards for recycling labels and recycled-content claims.
- PACK Act and RMAA would reduce compliance conflicts across state lines.
- ACI says clear federal rules will strengthen consumer trust and packaging innovation.
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) urged Congress to advance federal packaging legislation that would replace a growing patchwork of state rules with clearer national standards for environmental marketing claims and recycled-content attribution.
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing July 22 on the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act (H.R. 6832) and the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA, H.R. 7502) as part of a broader suite of legislation focused on consumer protection in a changing marketplace.
For manufacturers, recyclers and regulators, the stakes are practical: companies need one clear playbook for claims about whether packaging is recyclable, compostable, reusable or made with recycled content.
“Cleaning product manufacturers need clear, predictable and nationally consistent rules to communicate accurately with consumers, substantiate packaging claims and keep investing in packaging innovation,” said Blake Nanney, ACI Director, Government Affairs.
The PACK Act would create a federal framework for recycling, reuse and composting claims on consumer packaging, with the Federal Trade Commission helping police unfair or deceptive claims.
The Recycled Materials Attribution Act would establish national standards for recycled-content claims and recognize mass balance accounting when supported by third-party certification and reliable evidence. The bill would also direct the FTC to update its Green Guides.
“Consumers deserve claims they can trust, and companies need rules they can follow nationwide,” Nanney said. “These bills would align consumer protection, regulatory certainty and circular economy investment.”
ACI has worked with coalition partners, including the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN), to support clear, consistent and science-based packaging claims.
ACI encouraged the House to keep both measures moving forward and stands ready to work with lawmakers, regulators and stakeholders on practical federal standards.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.