“Olivia Barker, communications adviser at the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), responded by pointing out that CAA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, not an advocacy organization. CAA has been picked to oversee EPR programs in several states as their PRO, including two of the five that have passed EPR regulations so far. 

“‘We are a compliance organization,” Barker said. “Our job—and our mission—is to implement these laws effectively.’”

“Jeff Fielkow has experience ‘on every side of the recycling bin.’ He’s tapping into those different perspectives as the CEO of Circular Action Alliance.

“Packaging Dive caught up with Fielkow at the end of 2024 to learn more about CAA’s approach in 2025 and the years to come.”

• Registration and reporting deadline details for producers.

• CAA welcomes new team members and offers more career opportunities.

• Upcoming events.

• CalRecycle’s comment period.

• The third and final program plan is submitted in Oregon.

• CAA’s activities in Minnesota.

• And More!

To help shed some light on these new packaging EPR laws, PPAI Media reached out to Circular Action Alliance, currently the only active producer responsibility organization (PRO) in the U.S. dedicated to implementing EPR laws for paper and packaging. This organization analyzes the relevant EPR laws and assists producers with the required reporting, collection and recycling or disposal of covered packaging materials.

“CAA praised Wagoner’s statewide leadership experience in an announcement Wednesday, saying she will oversee development and implementation of a program plan in California. This will involve collaborating with government stakeholders, producers and other industry partners ‘to achieve SB 54’s ambitious recycling and waste reduction goals.’”

Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is pleased to announce Rachel Wagoner as the organization's executive director for California, effective immediately. Wagoner most recently served as the director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and brings statewide leadership experience to this critical role implementing California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54).   

• The next steps needed for producers to comply.

• CAA welcomes new team members and careers.

• Upcoming events.

• CalRecycle’s comment period.

• Colorado Consultation Process.

• CAA’s activities in Minnesota.

• And More!

Circular Action Alliance, which has emerged as the primary U.S. packaging producer responsibility organization, aims to increase PCR utilization with strategies including verification of responsible end markets, according to the organization’s technical advisor.

“Unfortunately, none of these laws have the exact same definition of producer or covered materials,” said Olivia Barker, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Director at the Circular Action Alliance (CAA). “So, CAA has really been working to create as much clarity and get consistency where there is opportunity with the regulatory agencies.”

“Two years ago, extended producer responsibility for packaging was still an emerging concept in the United States. With at least five states now working toward implementing laws, a lot has changed.”

• State compliance deadline alert.

• CAA welcomes new team members and careers

• Upcoming events.

• CAA's revised program plan in Oregon.

• State regulatory updates.

• And More!

“Two years ago, extended producer responsibility for packaging was still an emerging concept in the United States. With at least five states now working toward implementing laws, a lot has changed.”