CalRecycle is now accepting public comments on the Producer Responsibility Plan submitted by the Circular Action Alliance under California's SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. The agency has 75 days to determine whether to approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve the plan. Western Growers is specifically urging members who may be impacted to review the plan and submit feedback before the November 13 deadline.
SB 54 will restrict certain single-use plastic packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables — a direct operational concern for produce growers, packers, and shippers who rely on plastic clamshells, bags, and wraps. California is the largest produce-growing state in the U.S., so the regulatory framework established here often sets a de facto national standard as major retailers align packaging specs across their supply chains.
Suppliers and category managers sourcing California product should review how their current packaging formats may be affected. The comment period is a rare window to influence how the plan is implemented before it locks in.