The Plastics Industry’s Pushback Against California’s Recycling Laws
The plastics industry is taking aim at California’s efforts to reduce single-use plastic, and it’s turning to Congress for support. The industry, which is closely tied to the fossil fuel sector, is pushing back against the state’s attempts to impose truth-in-labeling and recycling laws. California’s laws, such as Senate Bill 343, require packaging to meet certain recycling milestones in order to carry the chasing arrows recycling label.
A Bill to Preempt State Laws
In December, Republican Congressman Randy Weber from Texas introduced the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act, a bill designed to establish a national standard for environmental claims on packaging. The bill, which was written with the support of the plastics industry, would preempt states like California from imposing their own recycling and composting laws. Weber claims that the bill is intended to reduce confusion among consumers and provide a clear national framework for recycling and composting.
However, critics argue that the bill is a thinly veiled attempt to undermine California’s efforts to reduce plastic waste. The bill’s language is broad, applying to all types of packaging, not just plastic. The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for working with third-party certifiers to determine the recyclability, compostability, or reusability of a product or packaging material, and making the designation consistent across the country.
Industry Support and Criticism
The bill has garnered support from plastic and packaging companies, as well as trade organizations such as Ameripen, Keurig, and the Plastics Industry Association. However, advocates for reducing waste argue that the bill is a free pass for the plastic industry to continue pushing plastic into the marketplace without considering the environmental consequences. They claim that the bill would gut consumer trust and make it harder for people to know whether products are truly recyclable, compostable, or reusable.
Lauren Zuber, a spokeswoman for Ameripen, said that the law doesn’t necessarily target California, but the state has “created problematic labeling requirements” that “threaten to curtail recycling instead of encouraging it by confusing consumers.” However, Nick Lapis, director of advocacy for Californians Against Waste, countered that “California’s truth-in-advertising laws exist for a simple reason: People should be able to trust what companies tell them.”
The Consequences of Plastic Waste
Plastic debris and waste is a growing problem in California and across the world. Plastic bags clog streams and injure and kill marine mammals and wildlife. Plastic breaks down into microplastics, which have been found in human tissues, including the brain, testicles, and heart. They’ve also been discovered in air, sludge, dirt, dust, and drinking water.
On Friday, California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta announced settlements totaling $3.35 million with three major plastic bag producers for violating state law regarding deceptive marketing of non-recyclable bags. The settlement follows a similar one in October with five other plastic bag manufacturers.
As the debate over the Packaging and Claims Knowledge Act continues, it’s clear that the plastics industry is pushing back against California’s efforts to reduce plastic waste. However, with the growing awareness of the consequences of plastic pollution, it remains to be seen whether the bill will gain traction in Congress. For more information, read the full story Here
Image Source: www.latimes.com
