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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an environmental policy approach that holds producers, manufacturers and distributors accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including take-back, recycling and final disposal. EPR aims to reduce waste, encourage sustainable product design and shift the financial burden of waste management from municipalities to producers. As EPR laws continue to proliferate across the United States, companies that use plastic and paper packaging to ship or sell products face increasing compliance challenges.

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Recent EPR legislation focuses on several key objectives:

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Establishing Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to manage compliance efforts

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Encouraging recyclable and compostable product and packaging design

Reducing waste through improved resource efficiency

Curbing greenwashing by ensuring transparency in sustainability claims

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At Thompson Hine, we offer a wide range of services to help our clients navigate the evolving EPR landscape with a comprehensive suite of legal and strategic services:

Regulatory Compliance – We provide guidance on state and local EPR regulations, ensuring our clients remain compliant with emerging requirements. Our team monitors the latest legislative developments to provide timely, actionable advice.

Product Stewardship Programs – We assist clients in designing and implementing programs that meet regulatory requirements and align with their sustainability goals, including take-back and recycling programs, as well as strategies for reducing environmental impact.

Investigations, Litigation and Dispute Resolution – Our attorneys represent clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, environmental litigation and dispute resolution, protecting their interests in administrative proceedings and court cases.

Policy Advocacy – We engage with policymakers and industry groups to shape balanced, effective EPR policies that promote both environmental protection and business innovation.

Public and Investor Relations – We help clients integrate EPR compliance into their broader sustainability initiatives, ensuring clear, strategic communication with stakeholders.

Training and Education – We offer training sessions and workshops to educate clients on EPR requirements and best practices. Our goal is to empower clients with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate evolving EPR requirements effectively.

Thompson Hine's EPR practice advises clients across a range of industries, including:

Consumer Electronics – Assisting manufacturers and retailers in managing product lifecycle responsibilities, from design to end-of-life disposal.

Packaging – Helping companies in the packaging industry and companies using disposable packaging to develop sustainable solutions and ensure compliance with EPR regulations.

Automotive – Supporting manufacturers in meeting EPR requirements for vehicle components and end-of-life vehicle management.

Pharmaceuticals – Advising pharmaceutical companies on the proper disposal of unused medications and compliance with drug take-back programs.

Textiles – Guiding textile and apparel companies in implementing EPR programs for clothing and other textile products.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

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