Sustainability: California passes significant EPR and recycling legislation

On June 30, 2022, California passed its landmark extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). Producers of single-use and disposable packaging will be obligated under EPR and will be required to form a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to manage industry efforts to achieve the following objectives by 2032:

• packaging is recyclable or compostable
• plastic packaging production is reduced by 25%
• 65% of packaging recycled after use

With California now leading the charge on EPR in the United States, and other states following suit, it is expected that this will drive further shifts towards more sustainable packaging and product designs in the years to come. This background will be key as retailers look to optimize the sustainability of their supply chains. Read the government’s announcement here.