PACK Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6832

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:06:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act of 2025 (PACK Act) aims to prevent misleading marketing claims about the environmental benefits of consumer product packaging. It updates federal law to ensure that labels or statements claiming packaging is recyclable, compostable, or reusable are truthful and backed by evidence, helping consumers make informed choices about waste reduction.

Key Provisions

• Prohibitions on Deceptive Claims:
• Bans false claims that packaging is recyclable, compostable, or reusable.
• For recyclable claims: Requires clear disclosures about recycling program availability (e.g., percentage of consumers with access or varying qualifications based on location). Exempt if 60% or more of consumers/communities have access and the entire package (minus minor parts) is recyclable. Packaging is not considered recyclable if components hinder recycling or if shape/size prevents acceptance in programs.
• For compostable claims: Requires scientific evidence that the packaging breaks down into compost under standards like those from ASTM International (a group setting material testing guidelines). Must include qualifiers if it can't be home-composted, if landfilling reduces benefits, or if composting facilities aren't widely available.
• For reusable claims: Prohibits unqualified claims unless the maker provides a reuse system (e.g., collection for reuse or products to enable reuse).

• Labeling and Certification Rules:
• Packaging ineligible for these claims cannot use misleading resin identification codes (numbers indicating plastic types) in the traditional "chasing arrows" symbol; an alternative triangle symbol is allowed if it meets standards.
• All claims must be certified by an accredited third-party body (independent organizations meeting international standards like ISO/IEC 17065 for certification processes).

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Responsibilities:
• The FTC must issue non-binding guidance within two years on compliance, covering accreditation criteria, various packaging materials (e.g., plastic, paper, glass), and shapes/sizes.
• The FTC will collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on waste management expertise and form an advisory council of industry experts (e.g., manufacturers, suppliers, waste handlers) that meets yearly.
• No new binding rules can be created under this law.

• Enforcement and Scope:
• Violations are treated as unfair or deceptive practices under existing FTC rules, with standard penalties (e.g., fines) but no requirement to force companies to make claims.
• Applies only to packaging for consumer products (everyday items sold to individuals, like household goods).
• Preempts (overrides) conflicting state or local laws to ensure uniform national standards.
• Key definitions include: "compostable" (breaks down in industrial or home composting), "recyclable" (can be collected and reprocessed), "reusable" (designed for multiple uses), and "substantial majority" (60% or more access).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill inserts a new Section 27 into the Federal Trade Commission Act (the main law governing FTC oversight of advertising). Previously, the FTC provided voluntary guidelines on "green" claims, but this makes specific requirements for packaging claims legally enforceable. It shifts from general anti-deception rules to detailed, mandatory qualifications, evidence standards, and third-party certifications, while prohibiting the FTC from issuing binding regulations—relying instead on guidance and enforcement actions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The FTC gains enforcement duties, including guidance development and an advisory council, increasing workload but leveraging EPA expertise on waste issues. States lose ability to enforce differing rules, potentially simplifying compliance but limiting local flexibility.
• On Citizens: Empowers consumers with clearer, qualified information on packaging, reducing confusion over eco-friendly labels and encouraging actual recycling, composting, or reuse practices.
• On Businesses: Manufacturers and sellers must invest in certifications and redesigns, possibly raising costs but promoting sustainable packaging; smaller companies may face challenges meeting evidence and disclosure rules.
• On International Relations: No direct impacts mentioned, though alignment with global standards (e.g., ISO) could indirectly support U.S. trade in eco-friendly products.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Consumers: Benefit from transparent claims to avoid "greenwashing" (false environmental marketing).
• Businesses: Including product manufacturers, packaging suppliers, and retailers, who must comply with claims, certifications, and disclosures.
• Certification and Waste Management Entities: Third-party certifiers and waste handlers gain roles in verification and collection systems.
• Government Bodies: FTC (enforcement lead), EPA (advisory input), and state/local regulators (limited by preemption).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens consumer protection laws by codifying evidence-based standards, treating violations like deceptive advertising (fines up to $50,120 per violation under current FTC rules). Preemption ensures nationwide consistency but could face challenges if seen as overly restrictive on states' rights to address local waste issues.
• Constitutional: Likely upheld under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as it targets national marketing and product distribution; no apparent free speech issues since it regulates commercial claims, not opinions.
• Political: Advances environmental goals by curbing misleading sustainability claims amid growing public focus on plastic waste, but may draw criticism from industry for added compliance burdens without mandating broader recycling infrastructure changes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (17)

Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-17: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act of 2025 — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (13 pages)