The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed ending the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which has collected emissions data from over 8,000 industrial facilities since 2010. The EPA says eliminating the program would save businesses $2 billion over 10 years, but critics say it would hinder federal climate policy by removing a key data source for regulations and climate initiatives.

Solutions for managing broken glassware at bars differ depending on the regulatory environment, the establishment's resources and general sentiment around the importance of recycling. Scott DeFife, president of the Glass Packaging Institute, says that recycling of such glass in the US is challenging because it is difficult to extract usable glass from commingled streams and because there is no regulatory imperative. Glassware used in bars is also not always suitable for traditional recycling methods because its composition differs from that of glass bottles.

The European glass industry aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by decarbonizing production and increasing circularity. Companies like Ardagh Glass Packaging, O-I, Glass and Verallia are investing in electric furnaces, hydrogen fuel and biofuels, but scaling these technologies requires significant capital. The industry also focuses on improving recycling rates and promoting reusable packaging, supported by initiatives such as Close the Glass Loop. However, challenges such as energy affordability and infrastructure limitations remain.

Ardagh Group reported significant sustainability achievements in its 2024 report, with Ardagh Glass Packaging reporting a 10% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023. The company aligned its reporting with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and related European Sustainability Reporting Standards to the degree possible, even though it is not required to.

Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are heavily affecting the food and beverage sector, particularly alcoholic beverages, with the potential to stifle innovation that has thrived in recent years. Companies are turning to AI and data analytics to manage tariff risks and ensure compliance. One AI-based tool helps detect illegal pricing practices and recommends corrective actions, ensuring compliance with federal and state laws.

Georgia-Pacific has agreed to acquire Anchor Packaging, a move expected to create significant synergies, particularly in the food and beverage packaging sectors. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the year, will enhance Georgia-Pacific's product portfolio and supply chain. Anchor Packaging, known for rigid food containers and cling films, will complement Georgia-Pacific's Dixie tableware products.

The Comité Interprofessionnel des Vins de Champagne has discontinued its efforts to require Champagne bottles to be topped with foil, a change EU regulators had approved two years ago. The move has ramifications for environmental stewardship and reducing costs.

California lawmakers have passed SB 682, a bill that will ban the distribution or sale of food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl by 2028. The bill, which is headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom for review, expands on AB 1200 and includes additional restrictions for consumer products.

The effectiveness of extended producer responsibility laws in driving recycled content usage remains uncertain, as industry stakeholders note that EPR primarily focuses on funding and improving collection systems. States such as Colorado have set ambitious recycled content targets through EPR, but verifying compliance poses challenges.

The UK's extended producer responsibility scheme is causing significant economic strain for wine importers such as Concha y Toro, according to technical director Marcelo Papa. The EPR shifts the cost of packaging waste management from taxpayers to businesses, with particularly steep fees for glass packaging calculated by weight. Even after a reduction from the originally proposed fee, industry groups argue that the costs remain extremely high, making it difficult for companies to absorb the additional expense. This regulatory change has forced importers to reassess their UK operations and pricing strategies.

The Republic Services Seattle Recycling Center has received a Gold Certification from the Glass Recycling Foundation for its glass recycling processes. The material recovery facility processes 200,000 tons of material annually, serving customers in Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana.

The European Waste Management Association has become the 16th European partner of Close the Glass Loop, strengthening collaboration to increase glass collection for recycling across the EU. The partnership emphasizes the private waste management sector's central role in connecting collection efforts with recycling industries and aims to enhance value chain cooperation for improved circularity.

The Supreme Court has agreed to a fast-track review of the legality of President Donald Trump's tariffs, which a federal appeals court ruled that Trump exceeded his authority in imposing. The tariffs, including the "Liberation Day" tariffs, affect trillions of dollars in international commerce and have raised the average US tariff rate to its highest level in over a century. The case, stemming from lawsuits by Democratic-led states and small businesses, will be heard in November.