SB 54: Tools for Grocery Industry Compliance

Overview

In 2022, California enacted the most comprehensive extended producer responsibility (EPR) and plastics-reduction legislation in the United States—reshaping how packaging, recyclability, and producer accountability are defined across the supply chain. These sweeping laws carry significant implications for manufacturers, retailers, and others placing products into the California market.

The centerpiece is of this regulatory overhaul is SB 54: the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. SB 54 contains multiple checkpoints that producers must comply with by certain dates.

• June 1, 2026 (Registration & Reporting Deadline): Producers must register with the Circular Action Alliance, or file as an independent producer. Producers must also submit historical 2023 baseline supply data and 2025 source reduction reports.
• January 1, 2027: Full program implementation and fee collection begin.
• January 1, 2028: System-wide target to recycle 30% of covered plastic packaging.
• January 1, 2030: System-wide target to recycle 40% of covered plastic packaging.
• January 1, 2032 (Final Mandate): 100% of covered single-use packaging must be recyclable or compostable, 65% of single-use plastic packaging must be recycled, and a 25% reduction in plastic packaging must be fully achieved.

Complying with a policy of this magnitude is exceedingly complex, and the Association is pursuing every means available to assist the industry. A list of resources for CGA members can be found below. For questions, contact Rachael O’Brien.