California lawmakers have passed sustainability-focused legislation that will bring new requirements to promo companies whose operations involve textiles or plastics in the future.

  • The Responsible Textile Act of 2024 will require producers of textiles to establish a stewardship program for the collection and recycling of textile products. Upon partnering with a formal organization, additional planning, reporting and reviewing requirements will be implemented.
  • Senate Bill 54’s packaging law has implemented criteria that will demand that single-use plastic sold in California must be 100% fully recyclable or compostable by 2032.

“Both of these regulations highlight the ever-growing push toward a more sustainable and circular marketplace,” says Rachel Zoch, PPAI’s public affairs manager and research editor. “Not only is it important to look for ways to reduce waste in your operations, it’s critical to keep an eye on emerging laws governing end-of-life points for your products.”

The Responsible Textile Act of 2024

Earlier this year, PPAI traveled to Sacramento with the American Apparel & Footwear Association to lobby on behalf of the enactment of The Responsible Textile Act of 2024. Both associations made clear to legislators that their respective industries support moving closer to a circular economy when it comes to textiles, minimizing waste whenever possible.

In practice, the act will require an apparel or textile producer operating in California to form or join a producer responsibility organization (PRO). Companies will have until July 1, 2028, to have the PRO be approved by the Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery.

“As consumer demand for circular textiles keeps rising, there’s a significant opportunity for industry leaders to not only meet this growing market, but also to stay ahead of regulatory changes across North America by aligning with California’s new guidelines,” says Elizabeth Wimbush, PPAI’s director of sustainability and responsibility.

Additional requirements include:

  • The company’s PRO must establish a plan for the collection, transportation, repair, sorting and recycling and safe and proper management of textiles.
  • The PRO must submit an annual report to the Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery.
  • The plan must be reviewed by the PRO every five years.
  • The PRO must post the companies within its organization that are in compliance with the plan at any given time.
  • The Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery will charge PROs a fee to assist in covering regulatory costs and enforcement.

A business that knowingly violates The Responsible Textile Act of 2024 can face fines up to $50,000 per day.

Senate Bill 54 Packaging Laws

SB 54’s extended producer responsibility (ERP)packaging laws intend to require that single-use plastic packaging for products sold in the state of California must be
100% recyclable or compostable by 2032. Its official title is the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act.

  • Similar to the Responsible Textile Act of 2024, SB 54 requires the formation of a producer responsibility organization (PRO).
  • From 2027-2037, the PRO will collect $500 million per year from consumer product goods companies that operate in single use plastic for a plastic mitigation fund totaling $5 billion.

SB 54 has adopted new draft rules that can be read here.

“We’re holding polluters responsible and cutting plastics at the source,” says California Governor Newsom.

Jennifer Barrera, California Chamber of Commerce CEO spoke less favorably of the act.

“California businesses both large and small will face a maze of environmental regulations,” Barrera says.