- Legislation would codify a national framework for regulating recycling, reuse, and composting claims
- Bill lays the foundation for federal package labeling standardization, paves way for other recycling initiatives
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI), the trade association for the cleaning product supply chain, commends Congressman Randy Weber (R-TX) for introducing the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act into the U.S. House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation begins the conversation about standardizing packaging labels across the country, establishing a unified framework for claims related to recycling, reuse and composting.
Currently, states may regulate their own package labeling requirements, leading to potential scenarios of labeling regulations that vary from state to state. This makes it more difficult for manufacturers to sell products across the country, as they would need to use different labels for different state markets. Additionally, varying product label requirements could lead to consumer confusion. The PACK Act addresses these concerns.
“Establishing a clear and easily understood nationwide framework for package labeling claims – especially for cleaning products – is a positive step toward improving the nation’s ability to recycle, reuse or compost products confidently and effectively, allowing consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices,” said Blake Nanney, ACI Director, Government Affairs.
As it stands, the Federal Trade Commission’s Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (Green Guides) are the go-to federal resource to inform manufacturers on how to label environmentally friendly products. However, the Green Guides are not federal regulations, allowing other jurisdictions, such as states and localities, to enact their own unique labeling requirements.
ACI has collaborated with our partners at the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN) on the PACK Act for multiple years. ACI staff participated in the 2024 and 2025 AMERIPEN Capitol Hill Fly-Ins to garner support for the PACK Act initiative.
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.