The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) convened an Advisory Group for Plastics and Packaging on July 24, 2025, to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiatives. The meeting focused on the complexities of managing plastic waste and the need for effective strategies to address environmental concerns.

During the session, participants highlighted the importance of engaging with key producer responsibility organizations, such as Circular Materials and Ecoenterprises Quebec, to gain insights into best practices. Janet, a member of the group, emphasized the necessity for design processes to better anticipate harmful substances like PFAs and microplastics, which pose significant costs to consumers and the environment.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that many questions remained unanswered, indicating a need for further discussion and exploration of the topics at hand. The facilitator noted the abundance of inquiries and suggested that the group would benefit from additional research and data on plastics and packaging.

To facilitate ongoing dialogue, the group agreed to reconvene on August 28, 2025, from 10 AM to noon. Participants were encouraged to sign up via the EPR Commission web page. The meeting concluded with a call for members to contribute further background data and research to support the commission's efforts in addressing the challenges of plastic waste management.

Overall, the meeting underscored the collaborative approach necessary for developing effective EPR policies and the importance of continued engagement among stakeholders in the field.