SB54 – Plastic Pollution Prevention Act In California
SB54 – Plastic Pollution Prevention Act
Also known as SB54, this is a landmark law coming out of California, U.S.A.
Aimed at tacking plastic waste in California, SB54 is one of of the most comprehensive EPR laws in the United States.
Designed to shift the financial and operational burden from local government to companies that produce packaging.
The law sets ambitious targets for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware in California to be met by 2032.
What Do I Need To Know About SB54?
California’s SB 54, also known as the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, was signed into law in 2022 and sets ambitious targets for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware in California to be met by 2032, including 100% of packaging must be recyclable or compostable, A 25% reduction in the sale of single-use plastic packaging. This can be achieved through various methods, including eliminating unnecessary packaging or transitioning to reusable or refillable systems and A 65% recycling rate for all single-use plastic packaging.
When Do Businesses Need to Respond to SB54?
SB54 was signed into law in 2022 and must be fully met by be met by 2032 in California.
Understanding Which Materials Are Included in SB54
SB54 is applicable to ‘covered materials’ including single-use plastic packaging that is not refilled or reused and plastic single-use food-service ware (trays, plates, bowls, utensils, straws, and wraps). The law holds a wide range of companies accountable, from the manufacturers to the retailers who sell the products. Essentially, if your brand is involved in any way with single-use plastic packaging or food-service items sold in California, you are considered a “producer” under this law.
“California is the fourth American state to implement an EPR law, following Maine, Oregon and Colorado. We expect to see further states implementing legislation that places the emphasis on businesses, with Tennessee, Connecticut and New Jersey having draft bills in place. If your business trades in the US, now is the time to collaborate on your extended producer responsibility. ”
Will Addy, Chief Commercial Officer, Polytag
ImplicATIONS bEYOND cALIFORNIA
The law’s reach extends beyond California’s borders. If you sell products in California that don’t meet the new standards, your vendors (the businesses selling your products) could face penalties. This puts pressure on them to only sell compliant products, which means they might stop doing business with you if your products don’t follow the law.
Polytag Your Packaging
Live packaging lifecycle data
Talk directly to consumers
Offer rewards and incentives
Future-proof your labels