Packaging-driven innovations including on-the-go formats, pre-measured and single-use doses bring...
As the calendar turns to 2025, significant changes are taking effect across the United States regarding packaging laws. These regulations, aimed at reducing environmental impact, will influence industries ranging from hospitality to retail. At Kaufman Container, we’re committed to keeping you informed about these updates and helping your business adapt.
Here’s a look at the most notable state changes coming into force this year:
Delaware: Polystyrene Foam Ban
Effective July 1, restaurants and other food service providers in Delaware will no longer be allowed to use polystyrene foam containers for ready-to-eat food or beverages. Single-use plastic stirrers, cocktail picks, and sandwich picks are also prohibited under this legislation passed in 2023.
Illinois: Recycling, Composting, and Hotel Bottle Restrictions
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Recycling at Events: As of January 1, events with over 3,500 attendees must provide access to recycling and composting bins.
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Hotel Bottle Ban: Starting in July, hotels with 50 or more rooms must phase out small, single-use plastic bottles for personal care products. By January 1, 2026, this law will apply to all hotels.
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State Agency Plastic Reduction: Illinois state agencies must begin implementing plans to reduce single-use plastic usage by 50% by 2031 and 75% by 2036, per SB 58.
Maine: Simplified Bottle Sorting
A 2023 update to Maine’s bottle bill allows redemption centers to sort beverage containers by material type—plastic, glass, steel, or aluminum—instead of by brand. This change aims to streamline recycling processes and will take effect in 2025.
Minnesota: PFAS Ban Expansion
As of January 1, Minnesota’s prohibition on intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) now covers 11 product categories, including carpets, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, and their associated packaging. Exceptions include secondary packaging like display molds.
New York: Hotel Bottle Ban
Beginning January 1, hotels with 50 or more rooms are no longer allowed to provide small plastic bottles for personal care products like shampoo and conditioner. Smaller hotels will need to comply with this regulation by 2026.
Oregon: Polystyrene and PFAS Ban
Under SB 543, as of January 1, food vendors in Oregon are prohibited from using polystyrene foam containers or selling foam packing peanuts. Packaging containing intentionally added PFAS is also banned. Additionally, wine sold in aluminum cans will be included in Oregon’s bottle bill starting in July.
Rhode Island: Foam and PFAS Restrictions
Restaurants and food vendors in Rhode Island must stop using disposable polystyrene foam containers and plastic beverage stirrers as of January 1. The state has also banned PFAS in food packaging under SB 2850.
Washington: Hotel Bottle Restrictions
Beginning January 1, hotels with 50 or more units are barred from providing small plastic containers for personal care products like shampoo. This requirement will extend to smaller hotels in 2026, as mandated by HB 1085.
How Kaufman Container Can Help 
At Kaufman Container, we understand that staying compliant with new regulations can be challenging. Whether you’re searching for sustainable alternatives, guidance on packaging compliance, or innovative solutions for your business, our team is here to support you.
Contact us today to explore eco-friendly packaging options that align with these new laws. Together, we can help your business navigate these changes while contributing to a more sustainable future.
