The Toy Association™ Joins Coalition Group to Protect Industry Interests During California EPR Program Rulemaking

March 29, 2024 | The Toy Association™ has joined a coalition group organized by the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) to provide the toy industry’s perspective throughout the rulemaking process for California's SB 54, the largest comprehensive packaging EPR (extended producer responsibility) program in the country. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; California League of Food Producers; California Manufacturers and Technology Association; and Consumer Brands Association are also members of the coalition.

SB 54, also known as the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, establishes new regulations for single-use packaging and plastic food service ware, implemented through an EPR program. The legislation shifts the plastic pollution burden from consumers to producers and raises an additional $5 billion from producers over 10 years to address the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.

“California’s SB 54 will have a major impact on the toy industry, including restricting what types of packaging can be used in the state, how new packaging materials can be added as technology advances recyclability, requiring industry to meet source reduction mandates, and imposing eco-modulated fees for different material types,” said Erin Raden, senior director of state government affairs at The Toy Association. “Without industry participation, this could lead to bans on certain packaging materials, California-only packaging mandates, and the exclusion of advanced recycling technologies. By joining forces with CalChamber and other stakeholders in this coalition group, the Toy Association can ensure that the perspectives and interests of the toy industry are effectively represented throughout the rulemaking process.”

The public comment period for the first phase of the rulemaking process is now open and a public hearing on the issue will be held on April 23. The Toy Association has been working with its State Government Affairs and Environmental Sustainability Committees to address industry priorities on this issue. Toy manufacturers are encouraged to use this form to provide input to The Toy Association by April 5 so that their concerns can be included in the Association’s comments. Feedback may be sent directly to Erin Raden, senior director of state government affairs at The Toy Association.

The Toy Association will continue to keep the industry apprised of developments on this issue. For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy initiatives at the state level or to join the State Government Affairs Committee, contact The Toy Association’s Erin Raden.