California Packaging Law SB 54 Uncertainty

Companies race to comply with California’s new plastic reduction law. There’s little guesswork but a lot of preparation ahead for companies operating in California. Key Takeaways: • The regulations went live on May 1 and companies have until August 1 to submit detailed plans for reducing plastic packaging over the next six years. • California requires companies to reduce plastic packaging through five designated pathways — some are already underway, others will be harder to achieve. • These changes will ripple through the economy, raising the bar for the solutions producers are expected to bring to the table.

California’s new plastic reduction law is another reminder that the plastics landscape is changing quickly. Requirements like these are raising expectations for how companies manage plastic use, while litigation, PFAS-related claims, and new disclosure obligations continue to reshape the broader risk landscape. That’s the focus of our webinar, Plastics Under Scrutiny: Understanding a New Era of Corporate Liability. If you weren’t able to join us live, the recording is now available on YouTube. 🎥 Watch now: https://lnkd.in/dRj6QVGC

California’s landmark Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law requires a 25% reduction in single-use plastic by 2032—and initial corporate plans are due August 1. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gQyuSNK2

A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of California’s SB 343 “Truth in Recycling” law. SB 343 was scheduled to apply to products and packaging manufactured after October 4, 2026. The law would restrict the use of chasing arrows, recyclability statements, and other recycling-related claims unless the packaging meets California’s criteria for being considered recyclable. The court granted a preliminary injunction after finding that the groups challenging the law were likely to succeed on portions of their First Amendment claim. For now, the California Attorney General is prohibited from enforcing SB 343 while the litigation continues. But this is not the end of California packaging regulation. The ruling does not pause or eliminate SB 54, California’s extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Producers still need to prepare for EPR reporting, fees, source reduction requirements, and the statewide 2032 targets, including: • 100% of covered packaging recyclable or compostable • 65% of single-use plastic packaging actually recycled • A 25% reduction in single-use plastic There are also important connections between SB 343 and SB 54, particularly because SB 54 relies on recyclability criteria established through SB 343. We will be watching closely to see whether the litigation leads to changes, clarification, or greater alignment between the two laws. For brands, the takeaway is simple: do not stop preparing. The labeling requirements may be temporarily paused, but California’s broader packaging obligations are still moving forward. Article: https://lnkd.in/d8Cmric5 #Packaging #EPR #SB54 #SB343 #Sustainability #PackagingCompliance #Recycling

A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of California’s SB 343 “Truth in Recycling” law. SB 343 was scheduled to apply to products and packaging manufactured after October 4, 2026. The law would restrict the use of chasing arrows, recyclability statements, and other recycling-related claims unless the packaging meets California’s criteria for being considered recyclable. The court granted a preliminary injunction after finding that the groups challenging the law were likely to succeed on portions of their First Amendment claim. For now, the California Attorney General is prohibited from enforcing SB 343 while the litigation continues. But this is not the end of California packaging regulation. The ruling does not pause or eliminate SB 54, California’s extended producer responsibility and source reduction law. Producers still need to prepare for EPR reporting, fees, source reduction requirements, and the statewide 2032 targets, including: • 100% of covered packaging recyclable or compostable • 65% of single-use plastic packaging actually recycled • A 25% reduction in single-use plastic There are also important connections between SB 343 and SB 54, particularly because SB 54 relies on recyclability criteria established through SB 343. We will be watching closely to see whether the litigation leads to changes, clarification, or greater alignment between the two laws. For brands, the takeaway is simple: do not stop preparing. The labeling requirements may be temporarily paused, but California’s broader packaging obligations are still moving forward. Article: https://lnkd.in/gA7NhBnw #Packaging #EPR #SB54 #SB343 #Sustainability #PackagingCompliance #Recycling

California’s plastic reduction law is forcing a conversation that every brand and manufacturer will soon be having: Reduce plastic or face penalties. For companies facing these mandates, there doesn’t have to be a single solution. PCR, mono-materials, compostables, fillers, lightweighting, and reuse systems are all tools. The challenge is finding the right single solution or combo that reduces plastic while protecting product performance and the bottom line. That’s exactly where we’re focused at Ecoshell. Our compounds can reduce plastic by up to 25% as a true drop-in solution, or at lower loadings alongside PCR, alternative materials, or compostables to further reduce costs and improve sustainability. No new equipment. No major process changes. Just less plastic, lower costs in many applications, and another tool to help companies meet increasingly aggressive EPR requirements. More on upcoming plastic reduction mandates: https://lnkd.in/ggYaWfF8

From the Guardian: "A groundbreaking California law that compels packaging producers to phase out single-use plastics is already sparking anger from the chemicals industry and environmental groups just weeks after going into effect." Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/g-9c2BHn

What happens when sustainability regulation meets constitutional law? A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of California's SB 343 "Truth in Recycling" law, finding that challengers are likely to succeed on arguments relating to vagueness and free speech concerns. The ruling may also have significant implications for California's wider packaging and recycling requirements. Explore the decision and what it means for manufacturers, brand owners and packaging companies here ➡️ https://ow.ly/LILw50ZpXZb ✍️ Kendra Sherman | Danelle Gagliardi | Allen Kacenjar | Abigail Dop

#INKISH - California’s landmark SB 54 packaging law officially entered its operational phase, triggering mandatory registration, reporting, and compliance requirements for producers of packaging and food service ware. The legislation establishes aggressive recycling, source reduction, and recyclability targets that are expected to influence packaging strategies far beyond California’s borders.-https://lnkd.in/eADFbpuq

A federal judge has blocked California’s “Truth in Recycling” law, which would restrict the familiar chasing-arrows symbol to packaging that is actually recycled at meaningful rates. Industry groups hail the ruling as a free-speech victory, while environmental advocates warn it undermines efforts to curb misleading marketing. https://ow.ly/mUmM50Zqc0e