Congressman Randy Weber of Texas has introduced the Packaging and Claims Knowledge (PACK) Act of 2025, which looks to establish the first voluntary federal standard for environmental claims on packaging. The effort is aimed at green labels that “confuse consumers and undermine real recycling efforts,” according to a statement out of Rep. Weber’s office.

Under the legislation, companies may only make environmental claims if those claims are scientifically verified and recognized by existing recycling or composting programs, ensuring honesty and transparency without imposing new mandates. The PACK Act is said to promote science-backed, industry-driven standards for environmental labeling, according to proponents.

“Americans want to do the right thing, but misleading labels make that harder,” said Rep. Weber. “The PACK Act cuts through that confusion. It’s pro-environment, pro-business, and rooted in common sense, all while holding companies accountable and giving consumers clear, honest information they can trust.”

The full text of the bill can be found here.

PCPC’s Stance

If enacted, the bill would amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to regulate environmental claims on consumer product packaging.

The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) released the following statement from President and CEO Thomas F. Myers on the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act of 2025 (PACK Act) introduction in the US House of Representatives:

“We applaud Representative Randy Weber (R-TX) for introducing the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act of 2025 to ensure truthful, transparent environmental claims for packaging. By establishing a national framework for recycling claims, the PACK Act promotes effective, sustainable solutions for packaging waste. Harmonizing core definitions, particularly around recyclability, is critical for cosmetics and personal care product companies to avoid a patchwork of state policies that fragment supply chains, increase compliance burdens and hinder the success of recycling programs.”

Supporters of the bill include Ameripen, a material-inclusive packaging industry trade association representing the entire packaging supply chain in the US.

According to Ameripen, The bill continues to vest the FTC with primary authority to regulate these claims, but adds a new section to the FTC Act to create what it is calling  “a truly harmonized national framework to prohibit unfair and deceptive claims.”

Ameripen says the PACK Act also calls on the FTC to work with and consider input from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administering the new scheme. The association said the key elements of the framework include:  

• Mandatory Third-party Certification for Consumer Packaging
An accredited third-party certification body to authorize recyclable, compostable, and reusable claims on consumer packaging. This allows businesses to utilize a variety of qualified independent parties to certify that packaging meets industry standards and follows the FTC’s “Green Guides” to avoid deceptive claims.

• Focus on Consumer Packaging
The certification programs will address how recyclable, compostable and reusable claims can be made for different types, shapes, sizes, and colors of consumer packaging. (Non-consumer packaging will not be subject to the mandatory third-party certification requirement.

• State Preemption
States will be preempted from enacting or enforcing any legal requirement that is not identical to the requirements under the PACK Act.  

FTC Act

The Federal Trade Commission Act is the primary statute of the FTC. Under this Act, as amended, the Commission is empowered, among other things, to prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce; seek monetary redress and other relief for conduct injurious to consumers; prescribe rules defining with specificity acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive, and establishing requirements designed to prevent such acts or practices; gather and compile information and conduct investigations relating to the organization, business, practices, and management of entities engaged in commerce; and make reports and legislative recommendations to Congress and the public.