A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has introduced the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA) in February 2026, which is a significant step toward modernizing how recycled content is defined and communicated across the country. Backed by the Recycling Leadership Council (RLC), the legislation seeks to establish clear, consistent federal standards for recycling and recycled content marketing claims.
The bill is designed to address growing confusion among consumers and businesses caused by inconsistent state-level rules on labeling. By creating a uniform national framework, the RMAA would help ensure that claims about recycled content in products are accurate, transparent, and verifiable.
A key component of the legislation is directing the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to update its Green Guides, which provide guidance on environmental marketing claims and have not been updated since 2012. This has left industries relying on outdated guidance that does not fully reflect today’s recycling infrastructure or marketing practices. This regulatory gap has led to increased confusion and growing concerns around greenwashing, where environmental claims may be misleading or unsubstantiated.
The introduction of the RMAA is part of a greater effort to address this uncertainty. By directing the FTC to update its Green Guides and establish clearer definitions around recycled content, the legislation aims to bring long-overdue clarity to the marketplace. Supporters believe this will help align federal policy with current technologies while improving transparency and consumer trust.
The RLC is a coalition representing stakeholders across the recycling, manufacturing, packaging, and consumer goods sectors that has positioned the RMAA as a foundational step toward improving the U.S. recycling system. As a member of the RLC, PRINTING United Alliance is part of this broader industry effort to advance policies that promote transparency, innovation, and sustainability in recycling.
Overall, the introduction of the RMAA reflects increasing momentum at the federal level to create a more unified, effective recycling framework that benefits consumers, businesses, and the environment alike.
In this article, Sara Osorio, Coordinator, EHS Affairs, PRINTING United Alliance, discusses the Recycling Materials Attribution Act. More information on sustainability can be found at Business Excellence-EHS Affairs or reach out to Sara directly if you have questions about how these issues may affect your business: sosorio@printing.org.
To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.
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