LPMA's Customized Approach to Lubricant Packaging Gains Regulatory Approval
Key Highlights
- - LPMA is the first industry-led PRO to receive approval for an individual program plan under Colorado's EPR law.
- - The program will manage petroleum and automotive packaging, including oil and antifreeze containers, with a launch planned for Spring 2026.
- - Emphasizes results-based, innovative approaches over one-size-fits-all solutions, fostering industry creativity and accountability.
- - Addresses unique challenges of lubricant packaging, such as residual products and hazardous materials handling.
- - LPMA is active in multiple states and anticipates expanding its programs nationwide as legislation evolves.
The Lubricants Packaging Management Association (LPMA) becomes the first industry-led producer responsibility organization (PRO) to secure approval of an individual program plan (IPP) under Colorado's EPR law. This gives producers the choice to comply through independent programs rather than what LPMA calls "a single, one-size-fits-all PRO."
LPMA's IPP will manage petroleum and automotive related packaging, including oil and antifreeze containers.
“In my experience with EPR, it’s quite important that the focus is on results,” says David Lawes, CEO of LPMA. “The law shouldn’t prescribe how the results are met, but instead allow industry to be creative and innovative in developing a program that is highly accountable to the results."
Lubricant packaging presents challenges such as residual product and hazardous material handling that general-purpose packaging programs are not able to handle.
LPMA is active in other state with existing EPR laws, including California, Maine, Minnesota, Vermont and Oregon and says it is preparing for additional states to become active as legislation expands nationwide.
The implementation of LPMA's IPP in Colorado will launch in the Spring of 2026.
“Colorado’s approval shows what’s possible when regulators and industry collaborate,” Lawes says. “By working together, producers can cost-efficiently address our unique packaging needs and develop circular solutions.