If it feels like packaging is suddenly a bigger conversation than ever before—you’re not imagining it. Across the United States, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for how products are packaged, labeled, and disposed of.
From tighter plastic bag rules to bans on harmful chemicals, these new laws are doing more than just regulating businesses—they’re reshaping the way we all think about what we buy and throw away.
At The Earthling Co., this shift isn’t new to us. In fact, it’s exactly the future we’ve been building toward all along.
Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and how small, everyday swaps can make a meaningful difference.
A New Era of Packaging Responsibility
For years, sustainability in packaging has been largely optional—something brands could embrace if they chose to. But in 2026, that’s changing.
New state-level laws are placing responsibility directly on companies to:
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Reduce waste
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Eliminate harmful materials
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Be transparent about recyclability
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Take accountability for the lifecycle of their packaging
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about redefining what “normal” looks like in the products we use every day.
And for consumers, it means one powerful thing: your choices are about to matter even more.
The End of “Convenient” Plastic Bags
Plastic bags have long been one of the most visible symbols of single-use waste. But recent updates are addressing something people didn’t expect—the unintended consequences of earlier bans.
Many stores replaced thin plastic bags with thicker “reusable” plastic ones. The problem? People often treated them the same way—as disposable.
Now, states are tightening regulations to:
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Eliminate these thicker plastic alternatives
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Encourage truly reusable options
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Shift toward paper or compostable materials
What this means for you
It’s no longer just about remembering to bring a bag—it’s about choosing one that actually lasts.
At The Earthling Co., we’ve always believed that sustainability works best when it’s simple. Reusable systems only work if they fit seamlessly into your routine—and that’s the mindset behind everything we create.
Saying Goodbye to Foam Packaging
If you’ve ever ordered takeout, you’ve likely encountered polystyrene foam containers (often called Styrofoam). They’re lightweight and cheap—but incredibly harmful to the environment.
These materials:
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Don’t biodegrade
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Break into microplastics
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Are rarely recyclable
That’s why more states are banning them entirely.
Why it matters
This isn’t just about restaurants—it reflects a broader movement away from low-cost, high-impact materials across industries.
For personal care products, that same principle applies. Packaging should protect what’s inside without harming the world outside.
That’s why our shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and body products are designed to eliminate the need for bulky plastic containers altogether.
The Push to Eliminate “Forever Chemicals” (PFAS)
One of the most important—and less visible—changes coming in 2026 is the restriction of PFAS in packaging.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often used to make packaging resistant to water and grease. But they come with a serious downside:
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They don’t break down in the environment
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They can accumulate in the body over time
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They’ve been linked to potential health concerns
New laws are banning PFAS in food packaging and increasing transparency requirements for brands.
Why this aligns with our philosophy
At The Earthling Co., “non-toxic” isn’t a trend—it’s a baseline.
We believe that what touches your body (and your environment) should be as clean and simple as possible. That includes not only ingredients, but also the materials used to deliver them.
Choosing products without unnecessary chemical treatments—both inside and out—is one of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure over time.
Hotels Are Rethinking Single-Use Plastics
Another major shift? The phase-out of mini toiletry bottles in hotels.
You’ve seen them:
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Tiny shampoo bottles
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Mini conditioners
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Single-use body washes
They’re convenient—but massively wasteful.
New regulations are pushing hotels toward:
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Refillable dispensers
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Larger, reusable formats
A familiar idea
If this sounds familiar, it’s because it mirrors what we’ve been doing from the start.
Solid shampoo and conditioner bars are essentially the ultimate refill system:
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No plastic bottles
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No wasted product
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Long-lasting and travel-friendly
In fact, many people first discover bars as a travel solution—and end up making the switch permanently.
Brands Are Now Responsible for Their Waste
One of the most impactful changes coming in 2026 is the expansion of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws.
In simple terms, this means:
Companies are responsible for what happens to their packaging after you throw it away.
Instead of shifting the burden to consumers and local governments, brands must now:
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Help fund recycling systems
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Design packaging that’s easier to process
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Reduce overall waste output
Why this is a big deal
This fundamentally changes how products are created.
When brands are responsible for the end of a product’s life, they’re more likely to:
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Use less packaging
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Choose better materials
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Think long-term instead of short-term
At The Earthling Co., we’ve always approached product design this way—asking not just “How does this work?” but “What happens after it’s used?”
Truth in Recycling: No More Greenwashing
You’ve probably seen packaging labeled “recyclable”—only to find out later that it isn’t accepted in your local system.
New laws are cracking down on this by requiring:
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Accurate labeling
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Proof that materials are widely recyclable
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Removal of misleading claims
What this means for you
Transparency is becoming the standard—not the exception.
And that’s something we fully support.
Sustainability shouldn’t be confusing. You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying, how to use it, and what happens when you’re done.
So… What Can You Actually Do?
With all these changes happening at the policy level, it’s easy to feel like the real impact is out of your hands.
But the truth is, small shifts in your daily routine still matter—especially when they’re consistent.
Here are a few simple ways to align with this new era of packaging:
1. Choose products with less packaging
Solid formats (like bars) eliminate the need for plastic entirely.
2. Look for transparency
Support brands that clearly explain their materials and processes.
3. Prioritize longevity
Reusable only works if you actually reuse it.
4. Reduce before you recycle
The best waste is the kind you never create.
Where The Earthling Co. Fits In
Everything we create is rooted in one idea: Sustainability should feel natural—not overwhelming.
That’s why our products are designed to:
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Replace single-use plastic bottles
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Simplify your routine
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Deliver high performance without unnecessary extras
If you’re looking for easy swaps that align with these new standards, here are a few places to start:
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
A direct replacement for bottled hair care—without the plastic, excess water, or harsh ingredients.
Body Care Bars
Clean, effective, and designed to last longer than traditional liquid options.
Lip Balms & Skincare
Thoughtfully formulated with minimal, intentional packaging.
Each product is a small shift—but together, they add up.
The Bigger Picture
The 2026 packaging laws are a sign of something bigger:
A collective move toward accountability, transparency, and long-term thinking.
But laws can only go so far.
Real change happens when:
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Businesses commit to doing better
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Consumers choose differently
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Everyday habits evolve
That’s where you come in.
A Future That Feels Better
Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience, quality, or enjoyment.
In fact, when done right, it often feels better:
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Less clutter
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Fewer decisions
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More intention behind what you use every day
As packaging continues to evolve, one thing is clear:
The future isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing better, step by step.
And we’re here to make that journey easier.
Ready to make the switch? Explore our collection of low-waste essentials and see how simple sustainable living can be.
