HR6832-119

What This Bill Does

The Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act, or PACK Act, makes deceptive packaging sustainability claims an FTC Act issue. It prohibits claiming consumer-product packaging is recyclable unless it is recyclable, and generally requires clear and prominent recycling qualifications that tell consumers the share of consumers or communities with access to recycling programs or use qualifications that vary with access. It defines circumstances that are not recyclable, including packaging components that limit recycling or packaging that is theoretically recyclable but not accepted because of shape, size, or another attribute. It prohibits compostable claims unless packaging is compostable, requires competent and reliable scientific evidence, and requires qualifications when packaging cannot be composted safely or quickly at home, landfill disposal would mislead consumers about environmental benefits, or municipal or institutional composting is not widely available. It also prohibits reusable claims unless the packaging is reusable and limits unqualified reusable claims to packaging supported by a reuse system or refill system.

Who Benefits and How

Consumers benefit because recyclable, compostable, and reusable labels would need to reflect real disposal options and scientific support rather than vague green marketing. Municipal recycling and composting programs benefit if packaging labels better match what local systems can actually accept. Companies with verified recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging benefit from a clearer federal standard that can distinguish substantiated claims from weaker competitors.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Consumer-product packaging sellers must review and qualify environmental claims, collect access data, support compostability evidence, and avoid unqualified reusable claims without a real reuse or refill system. Packaging manufacturers and brands may need label changes, substantiation files, and compliance reviews. Federal Trade Commission staff must enforce the new packaging-claim rules under the FTC Act.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits recyclable claims for consumer-product packaging that is not actually recyclable.
• Requires clear recycling-access qualifications unless recycling is available to a substantial majority of consumers or communities.
• Prohibits compostable claims without compostability and competent scientific evidence.
• Requires compostability qualifications when home composting, landfill outcomes, or local facility access would mislead consumers.
• Prohibits reusable claims unless packaging is reusable and supported by a reuse or refill system for unqualified claims.