Small packaging manufacturers are finding it harder to keep up with changing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws around the world. While large companies often have dedicated compliance teams and legal specialists, many smaller businesses have limited resources to monitor changing regulations across different markets.

As more countries and regions introduce or update packaging EPR rules, manufacturers are under growing pressure to provide accurate packaging data, support customers with compliance requirements and adapt products to meet new standards.

For many small and medium-sized companies, staying informed has become almost as important as producing high-quality packaging.

Regional rules are becoming more complex

Extended Producer Responsibility is based on a simple principle: businesses that place packaging on the market should help pay for the cost of collecting, sorting and recycling it once it becomes waste.

The challenge is that every market applies the rules differently.

The European Union, the United Kingdom, several US states and Canadian provinces all have their own EPR systems. Each has different reporting requirements, definitions of who is responsible, fee structures and implementation timetables.

Some countries also continue to update their rules as recycling targets and environmental policies evolve.

For packaging manufacturers supplying customers in several regions, there is no single set of rules to follow. A packaging format that meets one country's requirements may need different documentation or material information in another.

Keeping track of these changes can be difficult, particularly for smaller businesses that do not regularly monitor government announcements or specialist regulatory updates. Many rely on trade publications and industry organisations to stay informed, but important changes can still be missed.

Customers are asking for more packaging data

Although packaging manufacturers are not always legally responsible for paying EPR fees, they play an important role in helping customers comply with the regulations.

Brand owners, retailers and importers increasingly ask suppliers to provide detailed information about every packaging component. This may include material type, weight, recycled content, recyclability and the composition of labels, coatings and closures.

Collecting this information is not always straightforward.

Many smaller manufacturers store technical data in different systems or spreadsheets. Product specifications may have changed over time, while older packaging designs may not include the detailed records customers now require.

The pressure is increasing because EPR fees in many markets are linked to the type of packaging used. Materials that are easier to recycle may attract lower fees than those that are difficult to recover.

As a result, customers want suppliers that can provide reliable data and help them make informed packaging choices.

Manufacturers that cannot respond quickly risk delays, extra administration or even losing business to competitors with stronger compliance systems.

Better information can reduce future risks

The growing complexity of packaging EPR means compliance can no longer be treated as an occasional customer request. Instead, it should become part of everyday business operations.

Many manufacturers are improving the way they manage packaging information by creating detailed digital records for every product. These records include material composition, component weights and supporting technical documents, making it easier to respond when customers request compliance data.

It is also important to use consistent descriptions for packaging materials across design, production, purchasing and sales teams. Clear internal processes reduce the risk of errors and make reporting more efficient.

Businesses supplying several international markets should regularly review where their products are sold and understand which EPR requirements may affect their customers. While legal advice may be needed for specific obligations, early planning helps avoid costly last-minute changes.

Close communication with customers is becoming increasingly valuable. Agreeing who is responsible for providing technical data, approving environmental claims and managing specification updates can reduce misunderstandings throughout the supply chain.

Extended Producer Responsibility will continue to shape the global packaging industry as governments seek to improve recycling performance and reduce packaging waste.

For small packaging manufacturers, success will depend not only on producing quality packaging but also on delivering accurate information, maintaining strong compliance processes and adapting quickly as regulations continue to evolve.