At SunDance we have long been voluntarily doing many of the things required by ESG and EPR programs. Our certifications as a Sustainable Green Printer and Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody already involve thorough documentation. We have extensive sustainable, recyclable, post-consumer recycled, and even compostable material options for our product lines. Our entire facility uses sustainable practices. We are happy to help achieve your goals.

What is ESG

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. Regulators, retailers, and customers ask brands to document and defend each area for each packaging or print project. If you are required to complete ESG questionnaires, respond to retailer or brand audits, or support sustainability claims with documentation, SunDance can help you respond efficiently and accurately.

• Environmental
  Material selection, recyclability, recycled content, and the environmental impact associated with producing and distributing packaging
• Social
  Responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, and clear, accurate communication to consumers on labels and packaging
• Governance
  Accurate claims, documented material specifications, and the ability to support audits, questionnaires, and internal or external reporting

What is EPR

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility. Laws and policies are growing around the United States that shift the cost and responsibility of packaging waste management back to producers. State agencies and/or Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) administrate EPR programs, but packaging suppliers like SunDance play a critical role in providing accurate data about material and identifying design risks early.

Even if you are not the party legally responsible, EPR still affects your packaging decisions because material choices influence

• Higher or lower EPR fees
• Recyclability acceptance in specific states
• Compliance and audit risk
• Retailer and brand requirements

In California, Oregon, and other states, EPR requirements are already driving packaging redesigns, stricter scrutiny of recyclability claims, and an increased need for clear, consistent material documentation.

How SunDance supports ESG and EPR requirements

Material and Packaging Guidance

We help customers evaluate packaging structures and materials based on end use, performance requirements, and sustainability objectives. This includes identifying options that may improve recyclability and reduce EPR exposure, where appropriate. This might include options like

• Mono‑material flexible packaging options
• Substrate guidance for labels, cartons, and printed packaging
• Clear discussion of tradeoffs between barrier performance, shelf life, and recyclability

Our goal is never to force a specific solution, but to help customers make informed decisions based on real‑world constraints.

Packaging Data and Documentation that Reduce Risk

Accurate packaging data is increasingly required for ESG reporting, EPR submissions, and internal decision‑making. Incomplete or inaccurate data creates risk, delays, and rework. SunDance is building practical processes to support customers with documentation such as:

• Material type and structure summaries
• Estimated packaging weight by job or SKU
• Supplier specifications when available
• Sustainability documentation, such as FSC‑certified materials, upon request

Companies commonly use this information to support internal ESG reporting, Scope 3 estimates, retailer requirements, and EPR program submissions.

 

Sustainability Claims You Can Defend

Sustainability claims are under increasing scrutiny from regulators, retailers, and consumers. We work with customers to keep claims accurate, supportable, and aligned with actual recycling and material realities to

• Avoid unsupported or misleading recyclability claims
• Align packaging decisions with known recycling acceptance
• Provide clear specifications that match what is actually produced

This approach helps customers reduce “greenwashing” risk while maintaining credibility.

Operational Improvements That Reduce Environmental Impact

Sustainability is not only about materials but how efficiently products are manufactured. SunDance continuously invests in operational efficiency, waste reduction, and process improvements that support environmental goals while protecting quality, lead times, and cost control. We were the first offset printer in Florida certified as a Sustainable Green Printer by the SGP.

We’d love to talk

If you have ESG questionnaires, EPR reporting deadlines, packaging redesign decisions, or supplier documentation requests, SunDance can help you respond with clarity and confidence.

Contact SunDance to review your packaging and printing requirements. We will help you evaluate practical options that balance performance, compliance needs, and cost without adding unnecessary complexity.