In 2025, packaging laws are set to reshape both the manufacturing and consumer landscapes. These state modifications include bans on single-use plastic items and polystyrene foam containers, also known as Styrofoam used for primary packaging, along with modifications to package labeling, plastic shrink wrap, and more.
Machine builders must know these changes because they could impact regulatory compliance, material handling, customer demand, and innovation opportunities. As for manufacturers, they need to stay informed about these adjustments for several reasons as they may impact sustainability, consumer safety, market access, and competitiveness.
Consumers should understand these shifts to prepare for modifications in everyday shopping at local retailers or restaurants, along with traveling. These everyday regulations may also influence purchasing decisions and impact product pricing.
Here are the packaging legislation that will be implemented in the United States in 2025:
- California: Residents in the Golden State saw changes on January 1 at grocery stores. These retailers will only be allowed to distribute pre-checkout bags, like those used for produce or meat, that are made of recycled paper or can be composted. This change is under SB 1046, which has a goal to reduce plastic pollution and encourage the use of more sustainable packaging options in retail environments.
- Delaware: The First Hen State will see several changes this year to packaging regulations. First, the State will prohibit restaurants from providing ready-to-eat food or beverages in polystyrene foam containers. This legislation was passed under SB 51 and goes into effect on July 1, 2025. Additionally, Delaware will ban single-use plastic items in food service, including coffee stirrers, cocktail picks, and sandwich picks. Plastic straws are also banned under the legislation but can be made available if a customer asks.
Second, through SB 263, Delaware will also ban the use of plastic rings or connectors used to package beverage containers, like those used for six-packs of beer or soft drinks. Plastic shrink wraps are also included in this ban. This act, which goes into effect on July 1, 2025, aims to reduce waste and further Delaware’s sustainability goals.
- Illinois: The small single-use bottle act, also known as SB 2960, will take effect July 1, 2025, in the Prairie State. This law targets hotels with 50+ rooms and prohibits these establishments from offering small, single-use plastic personal care bottles that are under 6 ounces and not intended to be used more than once, like lotions and shampoos. Illinois is taking this step to address plastic pollution while encouraging sustainable practices within the hospitality sector. This law expands to hotels of any size in Illinois on January 1, 2026.
- Maine: The Pine Tree State will see significant changes to the State’s beverage container redemption program. Beginning July 15, 2025, workers at redemption centers will be allowed to sort containers by material types, such as plastic, glass, or steel. This change, which is made possible through the 2023 law, SD 1909, will streamline the process and reduce operational challenges. With this update, Maine aims to modernize its system while increasing efficiency and supporting environmental sustainability.
- Michigan: The Great Lakes State will have new labeling requirements for disposable wipes. Effective February 1, 2025, Michigan requires that certain disposable wipes must indicate if wipes are flushable or not.
- Minnesota: The Gopher State will implement new legislation regarding PFAS, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are chemicals that are resistant to heat, water, and oil. As of January 1, intentionally added PFAS will be banned in 11 product categories, including carpets, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, and more. Minnesota’s efforts are aimed at safeguarding both public health and the environment.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said they may prohibit additional products if they contain intentionally added PFAS and are likely to harm the state’s environment. - New York: The Empire State has implemented new packaging-related regulations aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. This includes banning hotels with 50 or more rooms from offering small plastic bottles of personal care products, like shampoo. This legislation, which went into effect January 1, was passed through SB S543 and will go into effect for hotels of all sizes in New York in 2026.
- Nevada: Manufacturers must label each package or box of feminine hygiene products that are sold or distributed in Nevada with a plain and conspicuous list of all ingredients in the product. This law is through AB169 and went into effect on January 1.
- Oregon: The Beaver State will ban food vendors from serving food in containers made from polystyrene foam. This law comes from SB 543 and went into effect on January 1. Oregon’s change aims to provide a cleaner and safer environment for residents.
- Rhode Island: The Ocean State will also implement legislation regarding polystyrene foam. As of January 1, restaurants and food service establishments aren’t allowed to process, prepare, sell, or provide food or drinks in disposable food containers made from the substance. This change reduces chemicals in consumer products and goes into effect under RI S2850, which updates Rhode Island’s Toxic Packaging Reduction Act.
- Virginia: The State’s ban on polystyrene food service containers will expand. Previously, in 2023, the State passed legislation that prohibited chain restaurants with 20 or more locations from using polystyrene containers. Effective July 1, 2025, this ban applies to all food vendors in Virginia, including independent restaurants and other establishments providing prepared food.
- Washington: The Evergreen State is making additional efforts to ban plastic pollution. Effective January 1, through HB 1085, hotels with 50 or more rooms are banned from providing personal health or beauty products like shampoo that come in small plastic containers, plastic wrappers, or other single-use plastic packaging. In 2026, this ban will apply to hotels of all sizes throughout the State of Washington.
- Wyoming: Residents in the Cowboy State saw changes implemented on January 1. Through SB 84, all beef products sold in Wyoming must clearly indicate their country of origin.
By staying ahead of these regulatory changes, machine builders and manufacturers not only ensure compliance but can also drive innovation and sustainability across the packaging industry.
