Guest Idea: California Recently Finalized the Nation’s Strictest Plastic Packaging Rules Change Shopper Expectations

In 2028, your trips to the grocery store might look a bit different. Fruits will be packaged in cardboard boxes instead of plastic clamshells, salads in takeout will be served in fiber bowls, and microwave meals will come in clear or white plastic trays rather than black ones. These changes could be attributed to California’s pioneering packaging law, SB 54, which was fully implemented in May 2026.

These adjustments will likely extend beyond California, as many major manufacturers are updating their packaging universally instead of making state-specific versions. Environmental organizations are advocating for stricter regulations. On June 2, Oceana, NRDC, and the Californians Against Waste Foundation filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court, claiming the final regulations create loopholes for large plastic packaging categories, allow indefinite exemptions for producers, and fail to restrict certain technologies as intended by the law.

What SB 54 Actually Requires

To grasp the impact of this legislation, it’s important to understand the issue it addresses. Over the years, plastic has quietly become the go-to material for packaging because of its low cost, durability, and light weight. However, this growth has led to a significant waste problem.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that plastic waste made up 12.2% of municipal waste in 2018, a sharp increase from 0.4% in 1960.

Packaging plays a major role in this issue, as it is often used once and then discarded. Greenprint states that 36% of all manufactured plastic is for packaging, with a staggering 85% ending up in landfills. SB 54 aims to reduce single-use plastic by 25% by 2032 and ensure all single-use packaging in California is recyclable or compostable.

The law’s main strategy is extended producer responsibility (EPR), which shifts the financial responsibility for waste management from taxpayers and local governments to the companies producing the packaging. This incentivizes companies to reduce packaging, design it for easier recycling, and avoid problematic materials.

The Packaging Materials Likely to Change First

SB 54 imposes broad requirements for recyclability, compostability, and source reduction, targeting hard-to-recycle materials. EPS food service ware is already limited in California, and other packaging types might be redesigned, replaced, or phased out to meet the 2032 goals.

Category 1: Polystyrene Foam

Known by the brand name “Styrofoam,” expanded polystyrene (EPS) is prevalent in foam takeout containers, single-use coffee cups, coolers, and protective packaging blocks.

California bans the sale, distribution, and import of EPS food service ware. It consists mostly of air, making transportation costly, and breaks into small pieces that contaminate other recycled materials. Research links styrene, a key component of polystyrene, to increased risks of lymphoma, leukemia, and other health issues.

Alternatives to EPS are already widely used, including molded fiber containers like egg cartons, cardboard, and other paper-based clamshells and food service ware.

Category 2: Black and Dark-Colored Plastic Food Packaging

This category includes black plastic used for microwave meal trays, sushi container bases, and some produce trays. The color is the problem.

Recycling facilities use near-infrared (NIR) sorters to identify and separate plastics. These machines can’t detect the carbon black pigment in dark colors because it absorbs NIR light, resulting in these materials being rejected and sent to landfills.

In the future, clear or light-colored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic containers may replace black food packaging. These are easily identified by sorters and are valuable for recycling. Aluminum or fiber-based trays might also become common.

Category 3: PVC Clamshells and Blister Packs

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl, is commonly used for clear clamshells holding berries, salads, or bakery items, as well as blister packs for toys and batteries.

PVC packaging is under pressure from SB 54 as it contaminates the PET recycling stream. Even a small amount of PVC can spoil a PET batch, making it unusable. PVC also contains phthalates, which are linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes and infertility.

Recycled PET (rPET) clamshells are being promoted as an alternative. They look similar but are easier to recycle. More molded pulp containers and simple cardboard packaging may also appear.

Category 4: Oxo-Degradable Plastics

Oxo-degradable plastics are conventional plastics with additives that cause them to fragment into smaller pieces when exposed to heat or sunlight. They are often marketed as “eco-friendly” or “degradable.”

SB 54 targets oxo-degradable plastics as they aren’t truly biodegradable, instead fragmenting into microplastics, which are more pervasive and harder to clean up.

This ban is a direct response to misleading marketing, emphasizing that claims of biodegradability must meet strict scientific standards.

Product Categories That Will Look Different at the Store

Beyond banning certain plastics, the law promotes source reduction and recyclability to transform packaging in various supermarket aisles. Here are some categories likely to change significantly.

1. Fresh Produce Section

Currently dominated by plastic clamshells for fruits, single-use bags for greens, and foam trays wrapped in plastic, this section could see cardboard boxes or molded fiber punnets replacing clamshells, and recyclable cardboard trays taking over foam trays.

Stores will transition from single-use plastic produce bags to paper bags, with some offering reusable mesh produce bags for purchase. Shoppers may notice price and availability changes as brands and stores adapt to new materials.

2. Prepared Foods and Deli

The deli and prepared food sections, typically filled with clear plastic containers, might switch to fiber-based bowls and containers. These could be lined with a thin, compostable polylactic acid (PLA) layer to manage wet foods. Lids will transition to compostable or more recyclable plastic types.

These fiber containers might not keep food as fresh as airtight plastic ones, so transferring leftovers to glass or durable plastic containers at home is advisable. Businesses are expected to update their packaging from 2028 to 2030.

3. Personal Care Products

Plastic bottles, tubes, and jars fill health and beauty aisles. One of the first noticeable changes will be labels indicating “made with X recycled plastic.”

California’s packaging rules already offer a 25% postconsumer-material compliance option for some rigid plastic containers. SB 54 urges broader compliance for recyclable or compostable packaging, with increased recycling rate targets by 2032. Brands are expected to gradually transition their products from 2027 to 2032.

More brands might introduce in-store refill stations or sell smaller, concentrated pods to mix with water in reusable bottles at home. Experts suggest that a well-designed refill system can reduce single-use plastics and conserve resources.

4. Takeout and Food Service

Takeout often includes various packaging, from foam containers to non-recyclable black plastic bowls. SB 54 promotes standardization, encouraging restaurants to use widely recyclable materials like aluminum foil containers or commercially compostable unlined fiber containers.

This shift aims to provide clearer disposal instructions, making it easy to know whether a takeout container belongs in recycling, green waste, or trash bins.

5. Online Shopping Packaging

Online shops often use air pillows, bubble wrap, or foam peanuts to protect small items during shipping, generating unnecessary waste. The law targets this “void fill.”

Expect a shift to paper-based interior packaging, such as crumpled kraft paper or die-cut cardboard inserts, which can be recycled along with the box. While some major retailers, like Amazon, have already started this transition, the law mandates all companies shipping to California comply by 2032.

The Timeline — When to Expect Changes

The sweeping changes required by SB 54 won’t happen overnight. The law outlines a multi-year plan for producers to adjust. Here are the key deadlines for observing these changes on store shelves.

While SB 54 places primary responsibility on producers, consumers also play a critical role. Being informed about packaging can expedite the shift toward better practices. Here’s how you can help.

1. Identify Compliant Packaging

Look for clear labeling indicating progress, such as “100% recycled content” or a “how to recycle” label with specific disposal instructions. For compostable items, seek official certification logos.

Look for ASTM D6400 certification. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) states this standard verifies biodegradability under high-heat conditions in municipal or industrial composting facilities. Items won’t break down in backyard compost or landfills.

Be cautious of vague, uncertified claims like “eco-friendly,” “earth-conscious,” or “biodegradable” without specific certification as proof.

2. Support Brands Making Early Changes

Your purchases influence retailers and manufacturers. By choosing products from companies proactively using sustainable packaging, you’re supporting those practices.

Many manufacturers are already publicizing their compliance efforts. For instance, Faerch has committed to producing CPET trays with at least 40% rPET. Unilever has updated its packaging processes with a focus on reduction, circulation, and collaboration.

3. Understand Disposal During the Transition

Recyclability varies locally. A package might technically be recyclable, but it’s irrelevant if your local facility can’t process it. Check your city or waste hauler’s website for accepted materials.

Compostable plastic and fiber products are meant to break down in commercial composting facilities, not in landfills or backyard piles. If your community lacks a green waste program accepting food service ware, dispose of these items in the trash.

4. Advocate for Better Implementation

If your community lacks recycling or commercial composting services, inform local representatives about your support for investment in these areas. Better infrastructure is essential for achieving the 65% recycling rate goal.

State entities like CalRecycle require public comments as they refine rules. You can submit feedback to encourage strong enforcement and prevent industry-friendly loopholes.

The Ripple Effect — Other States Watching California

SB 54 is part of a broader trend of states taking legislative action on plastic waste and promoting producer responsibility.

States With Similar Legislation in Progress

Several states have passed or are considering similar EPR laws for packaging. New York has a proposed bill with EPR as its framework, suggesting a similar direction on the East Coast.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon leads with its Recycling Modernization Act, encouraging manufacturers to use sustainable materials by financially supporting state recycling system improvements. Colorado, Maine, and Vermont have also enacted EPR for packaging.

What Interstate Coordination Means

For companies selling nationwide, managing different state packaging requirements and fees is a logistical nightmare. It’s more efficient to create a single package meeting the strictest regulations, as California’s law sets the national standard.

Regional harmonization is possible. As California, Oregon, and Washington implement similar laws, a “West Coast” standard could emerge, pressuring national brands to adopt a single high standard for packaging.

Federal Inaction Driving State Action

Without a federal EPR framework for packaging, states create their own rules, leading to a “patchwork” of state-level regulations. The National Conference of State Legislatures notes that California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, and Oregon have enacted packaging EPR legislation, creating a state-by-state policy landscape for producers to navigate.

The Greenwashing Concerns — What to Watch Out For

A new law means new marketing. As companies strive to comply with SB 54, they may make bold environmental claims. Some are genuine, but others may be misleading, known as “greenwashing.” Here’s what to watch for to distinguish the two.

1. Material Switching That Doesn’t Solve Problems

Be cautious of companies replacing banned materials with new ones that have hidden environmental issues. “Bioplastics” are a prime example.

Bioplastics seem promising, coming from renewable resources like cornstarch and designed to break down naturally. However, being “plant-based” doesn’t automatically make them better. The environmental impact of growing crops, processing materials, and disposal is complex.

A study found some certified compostable bags contain more additives than conventional plastic bags, exhibiting moderate toxicity to marine plankton. Even “eco-friendly” alternatives need scrutiny.

2. False Equivalencies

A classic example is a paper coffee cup or soup container. It looks like paper, so it feels recyclable, but its invisible plastic lining makes it a mixed material that most facilities can’t recycle.

Marketers might label a product as “biodegradable” to make consumers feel good about throwing it away. But nothing, not even food scraps, is designed to biodegrade in a modern, oxygen-deprived landfill. The claim may be true in a lab but meaningless in practice.

3. Third-Party Certifications That Matter

The best way to navigate misleading marketing claims is to look for logos from independent third-party organizations verifying claims against scientific standards.

For compostable products, look for the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo, the North American gold standard proving a product will break down safely in a commercial composting facility.

For recyclability, check for the How2Recycle label, which provides clear instructions on recycling parts of a package, store drop-offs, and trash disposal.

4. Questions to Ask Brands

Don’t hesitate to ask brands specific questions via social media or email. Here are a few focused questions to get real answers:

• Is this packaging accepted for recycling in most curbside programs in California?
• What percentage of post-consumer recycled content does this packaging contain?
• Your package is labeled ‘compostable.’ Can you confirm it is BPI Certified to the ASTM D6400 standard?

The Long-Term Vision—What Success Looks Like

SB 54 will fundamentally change California’s relationship with single-use packaging. Here’s a look at what a successful circular economy could look like a decade from now with this law in effect.

2032 Targets and Beyond

By 2032, the targets are a 25% reduction in total plastic packaging sold and a 65% recycling or composting rate for remaining packaging. Achieving a 65% recycling rate for packaging is a monumental challenge, as current recycling rates for plastics are extremely low.

Even when a plastic type is recyclable, only a fraction is actually recycled due to sorting challenges, contamination, and lack of stable markets for recycled materials.

The law allows regulators to set stricter targets in the future. If California meets its 2032 goals, the next steps could involve higher recycling rates or further plastic use reductions.

Infrastructure Investments From EPR Fees

The law also acts as a funding source. EPR fees paid by producers will create a multimillion-dollar annual fund for system improvements.

A significant portion will go to cities and counties to upgrade material recovery facilities (MRFs), investing in advanced sorting equipment like optical sorters and robotics to capture more materials. Funds will also expand access to commercial composting programs, enabling more residents to dispose of compostable food service ware properly.

Expected Behavioral Shifts

The goal is to make sustainable choices the default, easy option for consumers. Imagine subscribing to a service where restaurants serve food in durable stainless steel containers that are later picked up, professionally washed, and reused.

For products like hand soap, cleaning supplies, and shampoo, the vision is to move away from buying new plastic bottles each time. Instead, refill a single bottle at home from bulk bins at grocery stores or with concentrate pods in paper packaging.

What This Means for a Circular Economy

In a true circular system, design eliminates waste. Products and packaging are created from the start to be easily disassembled and either recycled back into the same product or composted back into the earth. This is SB 54’s long-term vision, where producers are fully responsible for their products’ entire life cycle, keeping valuable materials in the economy and out of landfills and oceans.

Practical Shopping Guide

Small, intentional choices can make a big difference. Consider these tips on your next shopping trip.

• Produce: Choose loose fruits and vegetables whenever possible and bring your own reusable mesh bags. If you need a container, look for produce in cardboard punnets or molded fiber trays instead of plastic clamshells.
• Dairy: When you have the option, choose milk in returnable glass bottles or paper cartons. Pick one large, recyclable tub over multiple single-serving cups for yogurt, cottage cheese, or sour cream.
• Meat and seafood: Visit the butcher or seafood counter and ask for your items to be wrapped in butcher paper. This avoids non-recyclable foam trays and plastic film common in the self-serve section.
• Packaged goods: For pantry staples like sauces, beans, and vegetables, prioritize glass jars and metal cans, as both have high recycling rates. For pasta, cereal, and other dry goods, choose brands that use boxes made from 100% recycled cardboard.
• Personal care: The most sustainable option is often a solid bar, eliminating plastic packaging. If you prefer liquid products, look for brands offering durable bottles with a clear and easy refill system.
• Cleaning products: Many brands offer cleaning products as small pods or tablets to mix with water in a reusable spray bottle at home. This eliminates shipping water across the country and buying a new plastic bottle every time.
• Takeout: Bring your own containers when possible and support restaurants using compostable packaging.

The changes in California preview a nationwide trend, with brand choices and feedback shaping the pace of change. The transition has already begun. Contribute to the shift by making smarter, more informed choices on your next shopping trips. Aim to reduce overall consumption and reuse items as many times as possible before recycling.

Additional Resources

About the Author

Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated Magazine. She has over six years of experience writing about sustainability, circular economy, and better building. When not contributing to various reputable publications and advocating for environmental awareness, Rose loves being outdoors and spending time with her pets.