ReMA Urges Members to Comment on Draft Responsible End Market Requirements That Could Shape Future Commodity Access

New details about Responsible End Market (REM) requirements included in state packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are emerging across states and ReMA members need to know how they will be impacted.

To support its members, ReMA has released a new online resourceopens in a new tab (member login required) with current news and details on REM requirements, including information about the draft REM Standardopens in a new tab released by the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the PRO for packaging EPR in six states. The draft is open for public comment until Tuesday, July 7.

ReMA recommends all members review the standard and provide comments, especially members that broker, process, or otherwise handle ferrous, aluminum, plastics, paper, and/or glass. This document will set the national standard for what qualifies as a "responsible" recycler and for how their status as a responsible market will be verified under packaging and paper EPR laws.

Individual submissions will not be published, so commentors' identities will not be made public. Comments will be anonymized and summarized.

"We really encourage all end markets, brokers, and other members of the recycling supply chain for these materials to review and provide comments on the draft standard," said Natalie Messer Betts, ReMA's Vice President of Sustainability and Materials Systems. "ReMA is going to provide comments, but adding your voice will amplify the recycled materials industry's perspective and provide the first-hand point of view of a company who may be seeking certification."

This REM standard has broad national relevance. If a state or region isn't impacted by packaging EPR today, or a law is adopted in the future, it's likely that this standard will be the one that is used to determine what entities can process covered materials.

The draft standard includes criteria related to legal compliance, labor, health and safety, environmental soundness, and transparency. There are appendices for state-specific requirements on yield and chain of custody relevant to California and Oregon materials.

Members are encouraged to share their comments or key points with opens in a new tabfor incorporation into ReMA's analysis and feedback on the standard.