What Maryland DTC Brands Need to Know About Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

As Maryland pushes toward a more sustainable future, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands must prepare for new regulations that could reshape how they package and ship their products. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are on the horizon and if your business ships goods to consumers in Maryland, it’s time to understand how these rules affect you.

 

What Is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that makes producers financially and/or operationally responsible for the entire lifecycle of the products and packaging they introduce into the market, including post-consumer waste. EPR laws aim to shift the environmental burden away from consumers and local governments and place it on the businesses that create packaging and products in the first place.

For DTC brands, this means new obligations related to packaging materials, recycling contributions, and potentially redesigning how products are shipped.

 

Maryland’s Movement Toward EPR

Maryland is among several states evaluating formal EPR programs for packaging waste, following the lead of states like California, Oregon, Colorado, and Maine. While legislation is still evolving, Maryland House Bill 284 proposed in 2024 laid the foundation for a producer responsibility organization (PRO), mandatory reporting, and eco-modulated fees and future iterations of this bill are expected to pass soon.

If you sell directly to Maryland residents, you may soon be required to:

• Register as a producer with the state or a PRO 
• Submit packaging data reports 
• Pay fees based on your packaging materials and volumes 
• Adopt more sustainable packaging strategies

 

Why DTC Companies Should Act Now

Even if legislation hasn’t passed yet, Maryland is clearly headed toward a regulated packaging future and DTC brands that get ahead will have a competitive edge.

Here’s why early action matters:

• Avoid last-minute compliance chaos when the law goes into effect 
• Reduce packaging costs over time through sustainable design 
• Align with eco-conscious consumers, especially in Maryland’s environmentally active markets 
• Strengthen your ESG profile for investors, partners, and press 

 

5 Ways DTC Brands Can Prepare for EPR in Maryland

1. 1. Audit Your Packaging 
      • Conduct a materials analysis of your current boxes, fillers, tape, and labels. 
      • Track how much packaging you use per order and identify what’s recyclable. 
   2. Switch to Sustainable Materials 
      • Use recyclable or compostable materials whenever possible. 
      • Explore options like molded pulp inserts, recycled mailers, or biodegradable tape. 
   3. Partner With Eco-Friendly Suppliers 
      • Work with vendors who can certify sustainable sourcing and traceability. 
      • Ask if they’re familiar with EPR-compliant packaging options. 
   4. Monitor Legislation Closely 
      • Stay up to date on Maryland EPR updates through MDE (Maryland Department of the Environment) and trade associations. 
      • Sign up for alerts from environmental compliance consultants or local chambers. 
   5. Educate Your Customers 
      • • Add instructions on how to recycle your packaging. 
        • Promote your commitment to sustainability in your marketing and on your website. 

Final Thoughts: Maryland’s EPR Future Is Coming – Are You Ready?

Maryland’s commitment to packaging waste reduction is clear, and DTC companies should prepare now to stay compliant and competitive. By understanding Extended Producer Responsibility in Maryland, your brand can not only avoid penalties, but also win over today’s eco-conscious consumers.

Whether you’re shipping skincare, apparel, supplements, or snacks, it’s time to rethink packaging as part of your customer experience and your environmental impact.

 

Need Help Navigating EPR Compliance?

At Arnold Packaging, we can help you navigate the evolving regulations in Maryland and provide alternative packaging. The sooner you adapt, the better positioned your DTC brand will be.

Ready to take the lead in sustainable packaging? 👉 Schedule a consultation with Arnold Packaging today!

Laura Cadden
Arnold Packaging
Protecting Your Product & Your Profit