Action Under Uncertainty: At-Risk Formats & Next Steps

As U.S. packaging EPR moves from legislation into implementation, producers face a pressing question: which material formats are at risk, and what should teams be doing now?

The March Readiness Circle brings together cross-functional teams — R&D, packaging, procurement, sustainability, regulatory, and finance — to examine how at-risk material formats are being identified, how internal transition decisions are being prioritized, and how these shifts are communicated across supply chains. Using California's SB 54 as a practical lens, but with direct relevance to Oregon, Colorado, and states beyond, this session helps producers interpret emerging signals and navigate material transition decisions under real uncertainty.

Day 1: Peer Support Session

Tuesday, March 17, 2026 | 1:00–2:30 PM ET

A 90-minute Chatham House-protected session where obligated producers compare notes, share what they're seeing internally, and work through real transition planning challenges — without advocacy, sales pitches, or pressure to share sensitive data.

The session opens with anonymized survey results revealing which packaging formats peers perceive as at risk, where readiness levels stand, who owns transition planning internally, and what bottlenecks remain. From there, a moderated producer panel and open group discussion will focus on how teams are prioritizing format transitions amid continued SB 54 rulemaking, newly released needs assessments, and emerging guidance from the Producer Responsibility Organization.

Panelists include sustainability, packaging, and policy leaders from Mars, Mondelez, Novolex, the American Beverage Association, and Yum! Brands.

Day 2: Expert Access Session

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM ET

A 60-minute open Q&A session providing direct access to technical experts and consultancies. Participants can expand on challenges surfaced during the peer session, pressure-test assumptions about at-risk formats and supplier readiness, and explore transition strategies — using SB 54 as a reference point while drawing insights relevant across emerging U.S. EPR programs.

Experts available from EY, RecycleMe, RRS, Eunomia, and Washburn Consulting.