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

In 2028, you might notice subtle changes in your grocery runs. Fruits are in cardboard boxes instead of clamshell containers, takeout salads come in fiber bowls and microwaveable meals are tucked in clear or white plastic trays instead of black ones. These subtle shifts may be the result of California’s landmark packaging law, SB 54, whose finalized regulations took effect in May 2026.

Even if you don’t live in California, you will likely still see these changes. Many major manufacturers are reformulating their packaging for everyone rather than creating separate versions. And environmental groups are calling for more rigorous regulations. Oceana, NRDC and the Californians Against Waste Foundation filed suit in San Francisco Superior Court on June 2, arguing the final regulations add exclusions for large categories of plastic packaging, allow producers to claim indefinite exemptions, and fail to guard against technologies the law was designed to restrict.

What SB 54 Actually Requires

To understand why this law is so transformative, consider the scale of the problem it’s aiming to solve. For decades, plastic quietly became the default for packaging. It’s cheap, durable and lightweight. Unfortunately, its explosive growth also created a massive waste crisis.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the trend is taking off. Of all the municipal waste generated in the U.S., plastic waste accounted for 12.2% in 2018, a massive jump from 0.4% in 1960.

Packaging is a major part of this problem, as it’s often used once and then discarded. According to Greenprint, 36% of all manufactured plastic is used for packaging, and a staggering 85% of that material ends up in landfills. In response, California passed SB 54. Its core goals are to cut single-use plastic by 25% by 2032 and to ensure that all single-use packaging sold in the state is either recyclable or compostable.

The key mechanism driving these changes is extended producer responsibility (EPR). In simple terms, this shifts the financial burden of waste management from taxpayers and local governments to the companies that produce the packaging. This creates a powerful financial incentive for them to use less packaging, design it to be more easily recycled and avoid problematic materials.

The Packaging Materials Likely to Change First

SB 54 sets broad recyclability, compostability and source-reduction requirements that put pressure on hard-to-recycle and problematic materials. EPS food service ware is already restricted in California, while other packaging types may be redesigned, replaced or phased down as producers work toward the law’s 2032 targets.

Category 1: Polystyrene Foam

Commonly known by the brand name “Styrofoam,” expanded polystyrene (EPS) is everywhere. It’s in foam takeout containers, single-use coffee cups, coolers and the crumbly white blocks used as protective packaging.

California prohibits the sale, distribution and import of EPS food service ware. It’s mostly air, making it costly to transport, and it breaks into small pieces that contaminate other, more valuable recycled materials. Plus, research found that exposure to styrene, a key component of polystyrene, is linked to higher risks for lymphoma, leukemia and other health conditions.

The alternatives to EPS are already common. They include molded fiber containers, such as those used in egg cartons, cardboard and other paper-based clamshells, and other paper-based food service ware.

Category 2: Black and Dark-Colored Plastic Food Packaging

This refers to the black plastic used for microwaveable meal trays, the bottom of takeout sushi containers and some produce trays. The problem lies in their color.

Modern recycling facilities use near-infrared (NIR) optical sorters to identify and separate different types of plastic. As Earth911 explains, the sorting machines can’t detect the carbon black pigment used to create the dark color because it absorbs the NIR light. The sorters can’t categorize the materials, so they’re automatically rejected and sent to landfills.

In a few years, you might see clear or light-colored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic containers replacing black food packaging. Sorters can easily identify them, and they’re among the most valuable plastics to recycle. Aluminum or fiber-based trays may also become a common sight.

Category 3: PVC Clamshells and Blister Packs

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), also known as vinyl, is a rigid plastic often used for clear clamshells that hold berries, salads or bakery items. The blister packs that encase products like toys and batteries also include the material.

PVC packaging could face significant pressure under SB 54 because it’s a major contaminant in the PET recycling stream. Even a small amount of PVC mixed in with a bale of PET can ruin the entire batch, rendering it unusable. The additives that make the plastic flexible also pose health concerns. Research shows that PVC contains phthalates, which are associated with chronic conditions, like diabetes and infertility.

As an alternative, there’s a push for clamshells made from recycled PET (rPET). They look identical but are easier to recycle. You might also see more molded pulp containers and simple cardboard packaging.

Category 4: Oxo-Degradable Plastics

Oxo-degradable plastics are conventional plastics, like polyethylene, with special additives that cause them to break down into smaller pieces when exposed to heat or sunlight. They’re often vaguely marketed as “eco-friendly” or “degradable.”

Oxo-degradable plastics could face significant pressure under SB 54’s recyclability, compostability and anti-greenwashing goals because they’re not truly biodegradable. Instead of breaking down into harmless organic matter, they fragment into microplastics, which creates a much more pervasive and difficult-to-clean-up form of land and water pollution.

This ban is a direct strike against misleading marketing. It reinforces the point that if a product claims to be biodegradable, it must meet rigorous scientific standards.

Product Categories That Will Look Different at the Store

Beyond plastic bans, the law pushes for source reduction and improved recyclability to change the look and feel of packaging in nearly every supermarket aisle. Here are some product categories that may see the most significant changes.

1. Fresh Produce Section

Plastic clamshells stacked high with fruits, single-use plastic bags for loose greens and vegetables, and foam trays wrapped in plastic film often dominate this area. In time, those clamshells may be replaced by ventilated cardboard boxes or molded fiber punnets. The foam trays will disappear in favor of recyclable cardboard trays.

Stores will shift from single-use plastic produce bags to paper bags. Some may also market reusable mesh produce bags for purchase. Shoppers might also notice packaging-related changes in price or availability as brands and shops transition to compliant materials.

2. Prepared Foods and Deli

Deli and prepared food sections are typically a sea of clear plastic containers for items like potato salads, soups and pre-made meals. Fiber-based bowls and containers will likely replace them. They may be lined with a thin, plant-based, compostable polylactic acid (PLA) layer to handle wet foods. Lids will also transition to either compostable versions or more easily recycled plastic types.

Be aware that these fiber containers may not keep food as fresh as their airtight plastic counterparts. You can transfer leftovers into your own glass or durable plastic containers at home to maximize freshness. Expect businesses to update their packaging between 2028 to 2030.

3. Personal Care Products

Virgin plastic bottles, tubes and jars fill the health and beauty aisles. One of the first changes you’ll likely see among them is their labels, which may soon include marks like “made with X recycled plastic.”

California packaging rules already include a 25% postconsumer-material compliance option for some rigid plastic packaging containers. SB 54 adds broader pressure for covered packaging to become recyclable or compostable and meet rising recycling rate targets by 2032. While there is no  have 2027 to 2032 to gradually transition their products.

More brands might offer in-store refill stations or sell smaller, concentrated pods that you can mix with water in a reusable bottle at home. As noted by experts in sustainability, a well-designed refill system reduces the need for single-use plastics entirely, which in turn conserves resources.

4. Takeout and Food Service

Getting takeout usually also means receiving assorted packaging, from foam containers to non-recyclable black plastic bowls. SB 54 pushes for standardization. Restaurants will be heavily incentivized to adopt packaging that is either widely recyclable, like aluminum foil containers, or certified as commercially compostable, such as unlined fiber containers.

This will result in clearer and more reliable disposal instructions. The goal is to eliminate the guesswork, making it obvious whether your takeout container belongs in the recycling bin, the green waste bin or the trash.

5. Online Shopping Packaging

Shipping tiny items with a ton of air pillows, bubble wrap or foam peanuts is a common practice for online shops. It keeps the parcel safe, but generates significant unnecessary waste. The law targets this “void fill.”

Expect a dramatic shift to paper-based interior packaging. This includes crumpled kraft paper, die-cut cardboard inserts and other materials that can be tossed directly into your curbside recycling bin along with the box itself. While some major retailers, such as Amazon, have already begun this transition voluntarily, the law makes it mandatory for all companies shipping products in or to California. Full compliance is expected by 2032.

The Timeline — When to Expect Changes

The massive changes SB 54 requires won’t happen all at once. The law establishes a multiyear road map for producers to adapt. Here are key deadlines to keep in mind as you watch these changes appear on local store shelves.

While SB 54 puts the primary responsibility on producers, you, as a consumer, have a crucial role. Being an informed shopper sends powerful market signals that can accelerate the transition to better packaging. Here’s how you can do that.

1. Identify Compliant Packaging

Look for clear labeling that indicates progress. This can include phrases like “100% recycled content” or a “how to recycle” label that gives specific disposal instructions. For items claiming to be compostable, look for an official certification logo.

Look for ASTM D6400 certification. According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), this standard indicates the plastic is biodegradable and will break down under the high-heat conditions of a municipal or industrial composting facility. That means the item will not break down in your backyard compost pile or in a landfill.

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

2. Support Brands Making Early Changes

Every purchase you make sends a data point to retailers and manufacturers. By choosing products from companies that are proactively adopting more sustainable packaging, you are casting a vote for those practices.

Many manufacturers are already publicizing their efforts to comply with and even exceed new standards. For example, Faerch, a packaging company, has already committed to producing CPET trays with at least 40% rPET. Meanwhile, massive consumer brand Unilever has publicly updated its packaging processes around a reduction, circulation and collaboration-based strategy.

3. Understand Disposal During the Transition

Remember that recyclability is local. A package might be technically recyclable, but that’s meaningless if your local facility doesn’t have the equipment or end-market to process it. Check your city or waste hauler’s website to determine the exact materials they accept for recycling.

Compostable plastic and fiber products are designed to break down in the high-heat environment of a commercial or industrial composting facility. They will not break down in a landfill or a typical backyard compost pile. If your community doesn’t offer a green waste program that accepts food service ware, these items currently belong in the trash.

4. Advocate for Better Implementation

If your community lacks robust recycling or commercial composting services, let your local representatives know that you support investment in these areas. Better infrastructure is key to reaching the 65% recycling rate goal.

State bodies like CalRecycle are required to have public comment periods as they refine the rules. You can submit comments to encourage strong enforcement and prevent industry-friendly loopholes.

The Ripple Effect — Other States Watching California

SB 54 is not an isolated event. It’s part of a growing trend of states taking legislative action on plastic waste and promoting producer responsibility.

States With Similar Legislation in Progress

Several states have either already passed or are actively considering similar EPR laws for packaging. New York is a major state to watch. It has a proposed bill that sets EPR as its core framework, signaling a similar policy direction on the East Coast.

In the Pacific Northwest, Oregon is leading with its Recycling Modernization Act. Like SB 54, it encourages manufacturers to use sustainable materials by making them financially responsible for funding improvements to the state’s recycling system. States like Colorado, Maine and Vermont have also passed their own forms of EPR for packaging.

What Interstate Coordination Means

For a company that sells products in all 50 states, managing different packaging requirements and fees for each state is a logistical and financial nightmare. It is far more efficient to design a single package that meets the strictest regulations in the country, California in this case, and then sell that same package everywhere. Because of this market reality, California’s law effectively sets the bar for the entire nation.

There’s also potential for regional harmonization. As California, Oregon and Washington all implement similar laws, a powerful “West Coast” standard may emerge. This can put even more pressure on national brands to adopt a single, high standard for their packaging.

Federal Inaction Driving State Action

In the absence of a single federal EPR framework for packaging, states are creating their own rules. This has led to the current “patchwork” of different 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 scramble to comply with SB 54, many will make bold environmental claims. Some are legitimate, but others can be misleading. This practice is known as “greenwashing.” Here’s what to watch out for so you can tell the difference.

1. Material Switching That Doesn’t Solve Problems

Be wary of companies replacing a banned material with a new one that has its own, sometimes hidden, set of environmental problems. A prime example is the confusing world of “bioplastics.”

On the surface, bioplastics sound great. They come from renewable resources like cornstarch rather than fossil fuels and are designed to break down naturally under the right conditions. However, just because a material is “plant-based” doesn’t automatically make it better. The full environmental impact of growing the crops, processing the material and what happens to it after disposal is complex.

A study revealed that some certified compostable bags actually contain more chemical additives than conventional plastic bags. They can exhibit moderate toxicity to marine plankton, proving that 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. However, its invisible inner plastic lining makes it a mixed material that most paper recycling facilities cannot recycle.

Some 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 is technically true in a lab but practically meaningless in the real world.

3. Third-Party Certifications That Matter

The best way to cut through confusing marketing claims is to look for logos from independent, third-party organizations. These groups have verified a product’s claims against a rigorous, scientific standard.

For any product claiming to be compostable, look for the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo. This is the gold standard in North America and proves a product will break down safely in a commercial composting facility.

For recyclability, check for the How2Recycle label. This label provides clear, honest instructions on which parts of a package are recyclable, which need to be taken to a store drop-off and which belong in the trash.

4. Questions to Ask Brands

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

• Is this packaging accepted for recycling in the majority of curbside programs in California?
• What exact 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 redesign California’s relationship with single-use packaging. Here’s a look at what a successful circular economy looks like a decade from now with this law in effect.

2032 Targets and Beyond

For 2032, the targets are to achieve a 25% reduction in the total amount of plastic packaging sold and a 65% recycling or composting rate for all remaining packaging. Hitting a 65% recycling rate for packaging is a monumental challenge. Current recycling rates for plastics are extremely low, often in the single digits.

As experts frequently point out, even when a plastic type is recyclable, only a fraction is recyclable in actual practice. This is due to challenges in sorting, contamination from food residue and a lack of stable end-markets to turn the old plastic into new products.

The law includes provisions for regulators to set even stricter targets in the future. If California meets its 2032 goals, the next step could be pushing for even higher recycling rates or further reductions in plastic use.

Infrastructure Investments From EPR Fees

The law doubles as a funding mechanism. The EPR fees paid by producers will create a multimillion-dollar annual fund dedicated to improving the system.

A huge portion of this money will go to cities and counties to upgrade their material recovery facilities (MRFs). This means investing in better sorting equipment, like more advanced optical sorters and robotics, to capture more materials. These funds will also be used to expand access to commercial composting programs, enabling more residents to properly dispose of compostable food service ware.

Expected Behavioral Shifts

The goal is to make sustainable choices the default, easy option for consumers. Imagine subscribing to a service where restaurants serve your 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 shift away from buying a new plastic bottle every time. Instead, you’ll have a single bottle at home that you can refill from bulk bins at the grocery store or with small concentrate pods sold in paper packaging.

What This Means for a Circular Economy

In a true circular system, design eliminates waste. Products and packaging are intentionally created from the start to be easily disassembled and either recycled back into the same product or safely composted back into the earth. This is the long-term vision of SB 54. It’s a shift where producers are fully responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, 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 that are 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, as it eliminates plastic packaging. If you prefer liquid products, look for brands that offer durable bottles with a clear and easy refill system.
• Cleaning products: Many brands offer cleaning products as small pods or tablets that you mix with water in a reusable spray bottle at home. This eliminates the need to ship water across the country and buy a new plastic bottle every time.
• Takeout: Bring your own containers when possible and support restaurants that use compostable packaging.

The changes you see in California are a preview of a nationwide trend, with brand choices and feedback shaping how fast they happen. The transition period has already begun. Contribute to the shift by making smarter, more informed choices on your next shopping trips. Aim to reduce your overall consumption and reuse items as many times as you can before worrying about recycling.

Additional Resources

• CalRecycle SB 54 Implementation Timeline
• How2Recycle Label Guide
• California Composting Facility Finder
• Certified Composting Facilities in the U.S.

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.