The New York State Legislature adjourned without passing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation that included a proposed ban on carbon black, the primary pigment in black printing ink. This outcome was achieved through extensive efforts by various companies and individuals who communicated their concerns to legislative representatives.
A coalition of organizations, especially the print and graphics industry, opposed the overarching EPR bill. Key associations like the Color Pigment Manufacturers Association (CPMA) and the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) focused on fighting the proposed carbon black ban. Without this focused effort, the ban, which would have severely impacted the packaging and label business in New York State, might not have been removed from the bill.
Several months ago, the industry was alerted to the EPR bill, titled the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA), which included a section banning several "toxic" chemicals, including carbon black.
In response, the industry took several actions:
Although the EPR bill passed the NYS Senate without the carbon black ban, the NYS Assembly adjourned without voting on it. The issue will likely resurface, and while the carbon black ban is not expected to be included again, the environmental lobby may push for its reintroduction. The industry is also addressing similar situations in New Jersey and monitoring developments in Pennsylvania and Delaware.