How to Forecast Your EPR Budget

Your finance team wants an EPR line in the 2027 budget. Now that the 2027 rates are out, it's time to forecast. This guide walks you through it in five steps, backed by what we see across hundreds of brand portfolios.

This 5-step framework walks you through:

• Inventory: List every packaging component by material and weight
• Map: Match each component to every state's material categories
• Apply: Estimate your 2027 fees by state, including California's plastic fees
• Separate: Flag one-time credits so your forecast reflects what you'll pay every year
• Plan: See when each invoice lands, so January's bills don't catch finance off guard

Plus: a budget worksheet to fill in with your finance lead.

Download the guide and bring it to your next budget meeting.