CA's SB 54 is Here. Are Your Products Ready?
Packaging is a crucial part in a product’s lifecycle. And with rising EPR policies such as CA’s SB 54, it’s more important than ever that businesses take a proactive approach to their packaging.
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), is an environmental policy approach that holds businesses responsible for end-of-life management of their products or packaging. Product stewardship supports recycling and materials management goals that contribute to a circular economy and can also encourage product design changes that minimize environmental impacts.
What states have EPR policies?
As of October 2026, the following states have implemented or are in the process of implementing EPR policies. Businesses that are found to be out of compliance with state regulations will be subject to additional fees.
Current Policy Status
OR: Currently collecting fees (2025)
CO: Currently collecting fees (2026)
CA: Law passed, fee collection begins on Jan 1, 2027
MN: Law passed, fee collection begins in 2029
WA: Law passed, fee collection begins in 2030
MD: Law passed, timeline delayed
ME: Law passed, timeline delayed
How are EPR fees calculated?
EPR fees vary across states, however, the following factors are often taken into consideration.
Weight
The first factor taken into consideration is the weight of the packaging your business contributed into the state in the previous year.
Material
Fees can vary depending on material. Flexible plastics carry the highest per-ton fees, while paper, glass, aluminum, and PCR-rich plastics sit in lower tiers.
Recyclability
Most state programs apply eco-modulation: a bonus for packaging that is recyclable, compostable, contains post-consumer recycled content, or uses a single material rather than a mixed laminate.
How much will different materials be charged?
Rates will vary across states, but as of October 2026, the preliminary rates proposed by California's program, CalRecycle, are as follows:
Product | Likely Category | Base Fee (per lb) | All-In Fee* (per lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
PVC Shrink Sleeves | PVC Flexible/Film | 30¢ | ~59¢ |
PET Shrink Sleeves | PET Flexible/Film | 25¢ | ~54¢ |
PET Labels | PET Flexible/Film | 25¢ | ~54¢ |
PP Labels | PP Film | 27¢ | ~56¢ |
Multi-Layer Pouches | Multi-Material Laminate Pouches | 25¢ | ~54¢ |
*All-In Fee includes the 3¢/lb reuse fee and the 26¢/lb plastic pollution fund fee. A separate 0.1¢ per-item fee applies on top. These fees are generally invoiced to the brand owner.
How can my business adapt to new regulations?
While these new regulations may seem daunting, at Ameri-Seal, we offer several ways to help reduce environmental impact and improve compliance.
Compliant Materials
Since PVC incurs higher fees, we recommend switching to materials with higher recyclability such as PET and CPET to reduce environmental impact and costs.
Reduced Waste
Many EPR laws require an overall reduction in plastic used. We offer both materials with a lower thickness/weight and post-consumer recycled films (rPET) to help meet reduction requirements.
Easy Sorting
We can add perforation to any of our shrink sleeves, to make it easier for end consumers to peel, sort, and recycle.
How to get started?
At Ameri-Seal, we understand that changing packaging can be challenging. Because of this, we're currently offering free sample rolls to make the switch from PVC to alternative materials (CPET, PET, and rPET). For existing customers, please reach out to your customer service representative for more information. For new customers, click below to get started.
