The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) 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,” Blake Nanney, ACI Director, Government Affairs, says.

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.