Attorney General James Uthmeier Leads Multi-State Coalition Putting Corporations on Notice Over Involvement with Anticompetitive Environmental Groups

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a letter of notice to the nearly 80 corporations that are associated with the U.S. Plastics Pact, the Consumer Goods Forum, or the Sustainable Packaging Coalition for their involvement in practices that potentially violate antitrust and consumer protection laws.

“Multiple advocacy organizations have pressured companies into artificially changing the output and quality of their goods and services in way that normal market forces would not otherwise bring about,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “These groups were warned that their activity presents serious conflicts with antitrust and consumer protection laws, and advocacy for a particular agenda is not a basis to mislead consumers.”

These notices follow letters sent on October 29, 2025, led by Attorney General Uthmeier and joined by a multistate coalition of attorneys general to the U.S. Plastics Pact, the Consumer Goods Forum, and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, raising grave concerns that the policies, targets, and compliance frameworks promoted by these organizations may violate the Sherman Act, state antitrust laws, and applicable consumer protection laws.

The new letters were sent directly to the companies identified as current members of one of these major environmental groups, notifying them that continued participation in or coordination with the initiatives may expose them to antitrust liability.

The letters explain that by setting uniform production and packaging targets and dictating which materials are deemed “recyclable,” these groups may be reducing competition, limiting consumer choice, and degrading product quality.

Attorney General Uthmeier also highlights that similar industry initiatives were previously abandoned after significant antitrust violation concerns were raised. Additionally, the companies are warned that the attorneys general may seek additional information through subpoenas and other compulsory legal processes.

Each letter recipient is asked to provide a response explaining the legal basis for which their involvement with the environmental groups does not present any antitrust or consumer practice violations.

To read the full letter, click here.

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