US Senate passes REUSE Act to study reuse and refill packaging

On 20 November 2025, the United States Senate unanimously approved the REUSE Act of 2025 and referred it to the House of Representatives. The bill mandates that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of reuse and refill systems across key sectors including consumer packaging, food and beverage, personal care and transport/shipping of goods.

Under the Act, the EPA is required to produce a publicly available report within two years. This report will evaluate the economic, environmental and practical viability of reuse and refill models, explore job creation opportunities, and identify barriers to implementation as well as the types of support (local, state and federal) needed to scale these systems effectively.

Advocates of the legislation argue it offers a major step forward in tackling plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy. Reuse and refill programmes — if viable and scaled — could reduce reliance on single-use packaging, lower waste, and enable more sustainable supply chains.

Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, said: For years, we were taught the three Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle; but too often the reality with plastics is the three Bs—buried, burned, and borne out to sea.We are on the way to improving reuse systems as the REUSE Act comes even one step closer to becoming law. When we better understand how reuse and refill systems most effectively operate, we are better able to create a healthier planet and future.

For the packaging sector, the REUSE Act represents a potential turning point: manufacturers, converters, and brand owners may soon need to rethink packaging formats and materials; waste-management providers could see increased demand for reuse-friendly collection and processing systems; and regulators may look to support reuse infrastructure innovation.