A coalition of plastic film recyclers and reusable bag manufacturers has launched the Responsible Recycling Alliance (RRA), aiming to help Californians reduce, reuse, and recycle as a sustainable solution to plastic waste. Founding members EFS Plastics, Merlin Plastics, and PreZero US oppose pending bills AB 2236 and SB 1053, which would eliminate reusable plastic film grocery bags widely used in California. Instead, they advocate for integrating these bags into the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Program established by SB 54 in 2022.
“AB 2236 and SB 1053 do not provide a more environmentally friendly option. While well-intentioned, these bills would undo environmental progress, increase costs for low-income Californians, eliminate jobs, and hinder SB 54’s efforts to improve plastic film recycling,” stated Roxanne Spiekerman, Vice President of Public Affairs for PreZero US, on behalf of the RRA.
Reusable plastic film grocery bags, made in California with at least 40% post-consumer recycled content, are sustainable and recyclable. Ms. Spiekerman highlighted that banning these bags would force Californians to choose between non-recyclable canvas and poly-woven bags, or paper bags with a larger carbon footprint and higher costs.
The RRA strongly supports adding reusable plastic film grocery bags to SB 54 as the best long-term recycling solution for California. This integration will:
- Facilitate Recycling: Provide a convenient way for Californians to recycle various plastic films, supporting large-scale plastic film recycling.
- Protect Consumers: Shield middle- and lower-income Californians from increased costs, with 77% of bag purchasers earning less than $150,000 annually.
- Preserve Jobs: Safeguard thousands of jobs in the reusable plastic film grocery bag manufacturing and recycling industry in California.
- Maintain Environmental Leadership: Ensure California continues to lead in environmental stewardship.
“We are committed to research-backed, scientifically supported approaches,” Ms. Spiekerman added. “Californians deserve the best solutions for product circularity in an environmentally responsible manner. Plastic film bag producers will fund the necessary infrastructure to ensure plastic film is recycled.”
RRA Members:
- EFS Plastics: Converts household waste plastics into high-quality, reprocessed resins.
- Merlin Plastics: Recycles and processes post-consumer and post-industrial plastic packaging.
- PreZero US: Provides waste disposal, sorting, processing, and recycling services, and manufactures reusable plastic film bags.
