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Bonus Episode: The Rise of Sustainability Regulations – What Brands Need to Know
Posted on June 27, 2025
The sustainability regulatory landscape is changing fast—and businesses need to keep up. That’s why we released a bonus episode of The Sustainable Angler featuring James Pollack, environmental attorney at Marten Law, to provide a high-level overview of the most important sustainability regulations impacting brands today.
Whether you’re a business owner, sustainability professional, or brand selling into major retailers like REI, Bass Pro Shops, Dick’s Sporting Goods, West Marine or Walmart, this episode will help you understand the new rules shaping the future of business.
What’s Covered in This Episode
In this concise and insightful conversation, we break down the rise of sustainability regulations across four key areas:
1. PFAS Regulations
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are increasingly being banned or restricted due to their harmful health and environmental impacts. We discuss:
Which states have passed PFAS bans
How these regulations affect outdoor gear, apparel, and packaging
What businesses need to do to stay compliant
2. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Laws
EPR regulations are gaining traction across the U.S., especially for packaging and paper products. In this episode, we explore:
What EPR means for brands
States leading the way with EPR laws (like California, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine)
How to prepare for the financial and reporting obligations of EPR programs
3. Climate-Related Disclosures
The California’s climate disclosure rules are a game-changer for companies of all sizes doing business in California—We cover:
SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305
How businesses should begin tracking their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
Why transparency in climate risk is becoming a business imperative
4. Green Marketing Claims and Greenwashing
The FTC is updating its Green Guides, and lawsuits around greenwashing are on the rise. We discuss:
How to avoid misleading environmental claims
Why brands must be more careful than ever with sustainability messaging
Real-world examples of companies getting it right—and wrong
Why You Should Listen
This episode is packed with insights for anyone who wants to stay ahead of compliance risks and unlock opportunities in a world where sustainability and regulation are increasingly intertwined.
If you care about climate risk, environmental compliance, or marketing sustainability responsibly—this episode is for you.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Useful Resources from the Episode:
Marten Law – Experts in environmental law and regulatory compliance
FTC Green Guides – Guidance for marketers on environmental claims
