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ARTICLE · 13 MAY 2026

Hot Topics In Product Stewardship: Key Regulatory Developments To Watch

Foley & Lardner LLP
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State-driven product stewardship regulations are reshaping compliance requirements across the United States, with California leading the charge on recyclability standards, PFAS restrictions, and climate disclosure mandates.

United StatesEnvironment
Amanda Beggs
Amanda Beggs
Sarah Slack
Sarah Slack
Natasha Dempsey
Natasha Dempsey
Nicholas R. Johnson
Nicholas R. Johnson
Elizabeth S. Stone
Elizabeth S. Stone
Judah C. Lieblich
Judah C. Lieblich
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Key Takeaways

  • State‑driven regulation continues to shape product stewardship requirements, with California setting standards that may influence compliance strategies nationwide.
  • Companies should review recyclability claims, PFAS use, and packaging decisions in light of increasingly detailed state laws and enforcement expectations.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility programs are expanding across multiple states and are becoming an ongoing operational and financial consideration, with litigation adding uncertainty in some jurisdictions.
  • Climate‑related disclosure obligations are broadening in scope, signaling continued growth in mandatory ESG reporting requirements for businesses operating in California and beyond.

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