ARLINGTON, VA — November 13, 2025 – Today, American Institute for Packaging and the Environment  (AMERIPEN), the Consumer Brands Association and the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) released a report, delivered by Smithers, that estimates that industry-led source reduction efforts have decreased U.S. packaging volume by about five million metric tons between 2019 and 2024, despite the growth of e-commerce, which has increased packaging demand.

The study provides an independent assessment of the American packaging industry’s substantial progress in reducing and optimizing packaging over the past decade.

“Consumers are at the heart of everything we do, and packaging is a critical piece of ensuring our industry’s products remain safe and accessible. Packaging’s fundamental function is to protect the American consumer and the products they love,” said John Hewitt, Senior Vice President of Packaging and Sustainability, Consumer Brands Association. “This report shows that our industry has made great strides in source reduction efforts. As we look to the future, continued progress must not come at the expense of consumer or product safety.”

“Packaging is already being optimized to protect the product inside, while minimizing packaging costs, said Lynn Dyer, Executive Director of AMERIPEN. “As we contemplate future optimization efforts, we must consider other sustainability goals and mandates like recyclability, increased recycled content usage and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Failure to do so may result in unintended consequences for consumers and the planet.”

“Industry-focused innovation is driving real progress in packaging sustainability. Durable goods manufacturers recognize that source reduction is not just about sustainability—it’s about maintaining product integrity while innovating responsibly,” said Katie Reilly, VP, Environmental Affairs and Industry Sustainability, CTA. “This report reinforces that reduction goals must be balanced to protect products from breakage, serve customers and maintain our complex global supply chains.”

Brands are voluntarily adopting solutions such as lightweighting, material shifts, and refillable or reusable packaging. These actions show a shared commitment to sustainability and illustrate how innovation is delivering measurable results across the industry.

As source reduction continues to be a topic of discussion across state legislatures, this report highlights the progress that has been achieved and provides important insights into the challenges brands face in future reductions.

The full report can be found here.

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ABOUT AMERIPEN

AMERIPEN – the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment – represents the entire packaging value chain, advocating for responsible packaging policies that drive meaningful progress in packaging sustainability while supporting industry growth and consumer needs. As the leading voice for packaging policy in the United States, AMERIPEN works with legislators, regulators, and stakeholders to develop science-based, data-driven solutions that enhance packaging’s role in product protection and circularity.

ABOUT THE CONSUMER BRANDS ASSOCIATION

The Consumer Brands Association champions the industry that makes the products you choose and the brands you trust. From household and personal care to food and beverage products, the consumer packaged goods industry plays a vital role in powering the U.S. economy, contributing $2.5 trillion to U.S. GDP and supporting 22.3 million American jobs.

ABOUT THE CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION (CTA)®:

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.