Building a Packaging Data System that Scales

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is changing the role packaging data plays inside organizations. What was once tracked loosely—if at all—is now the foundation of compliance, cost management, and risk mitigation.

As packaging EPR programs roll out across the U.S., many companies are discovering that their current data processes simply aren’t built to scale.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the most recent publicly available information at the time of writing and is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice.

Why packaging data becomes a breaking point under EPR

EPR reporting requires packaging data to be:

• accurate

• consistent

• traceable

• and adaptable as regulations evolve

For companies relying on spreadsheets, disconnected systems, or manual reporting, problems surface quickly when:

• SKU counts grow

• multiple states introduce different rules

• definitions and reporting requirements change

What works at a small scale often becomes a liability as EPR expands.

What “scalability” really means (and what it doesn’t)

A scalable packaging data system is not:

• a larger spreadsheet

• more manual reviews

• or more people scrambling before deadlines

True scalability means having data that can:

• grow with your business

• adjust to new EPR programs without rework

• support repeatable, defensible reporting

In other words, scalability is about structure and governance, not volume.

Where most packaging data systems fall short

Across industries, we see the same challenges emerge:

• Packaging data spread across teams and suppliers

• Inconsistent material definitions and weights

• Limited visibility into how data was created or changed

• High dependence on last-minute manual reporting

Under EPR, these gaps increase the risk of:

• inaccurate reporting

• unnecessary fees

• compliance delays

• and internal strain

The role of a scalable data foundation

Companies that approach EPR strategically treat packaging data as regulated business information—similar to financial or quality data.

At a high level, scalable systems share a few traits:

• a single, reliable source of truth

• standardized definitions aligned to reporting needs

• traceability to support audits and updates

• flexibility to adapt as programs and rules evolve

Building and maintaining this kind of foundation requires more than tools—it requires regulatory context, operational insight, and experience navigating EPR programs.

Why many companies partner rather than build alone

EPR requirements continue to evolve across states, and no two programs are identical. Attempting to design a system that anticipates every variation can be resource-intensive and risky without the right expertise.

That’s why many organizations choose to work with partners who:

• understand EPR from both regulatory and operational perspectives

• bring proven frameworks from established programs

• help design systems that scale without unnecessary complexity

The goal isn’t just compliance—it’s confidence.

Moving from reactive reporting to long-term readiness

A scalable packaging data system doesn’t just support today’s reporting. It reduces future risk, lowers internal burden, and positions companies to respond quickly as EPR expands.

Disclaimer: This content is based on the most recent publicly available information at the time of writing and is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements may change, and organizations should consult legal counsel or appropriate regulatory authorities to confirm their specific compliance obligations.