Flexible Packaging Must Adapt to Meet California’s EPR Recycling Goals

As California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) deadlines draw near, the flexible packaging industry is under pressure to redesign packaging to align with current recycling capabilities. At the recent Plastics Recycling Conference, industry experts emphasized the need for practical design solutions that facilitate recycling within existing systems.

California’s SB 54 law mandates ambitious recycling targets: a 30% recycling rate by 2028 and 65% by 2032. However, current recycling rates for film and flexible packaging are significantly below these benchmarks. Kate Davenport, Chief Impact Officer at The Recycling Partnership, highlighted the urgent need for change.

The SB 54 legislation encompasses both commercial and residential packaging. Neil Menezes, VP of Material Services at Circular Action Alliance (CAA), noted that commercial materials could serve as a ‘gateway’ to improve recycling rates. He explained that cleaner commercial waste could stabilize markets and pave the way for better management of residential films, whether collected separately or through curbside programs.

Despite these optimistic views, concerns remain among waste management companies regarding the readiness of systems for curbside film collection. Teo Medellin, Director of Corporate/Global Packaging Sustainability at Procter & Gamble, reported that CalFlex estimates indicate approximately 500 kilotons of residential flexible material are generated annually in California, yet recycling rates for this category are currently below 5%.

The industry faces a critical challenge to innovate and adapt flexible packaging solutions to meet California’s stringent recycling goals, ensuring that packaging is not only functional but also sustainable.