Guide to California SB 343

Understanding SB 343: What It Is and When It Takes Effect

Senate Bill 343, signed into law in 2021, prohibits the use of the chasing arrows symbol or any indication of recyclability on products and packaging unless they meet strict statewide recyclability criteria. The law addresses a longstanding problem: packaging labeled "recyclable" that had little chance of actually being recycled in California's infrastructure.

This California packaging law represents the state's commitment to honest environmental marketing and consumer protection. By requiring recyclability claims to be substantiated with real-world data rather than theoretical recyclability, SB 343 eliminates greenwashing in the packaging industry.

The Compliance Timeline

CalRecycle published the SB 343 Material Characterization Study Final Findings on April 4, 2025, triggering an 18-month compliance period. The labeling restrictions apply to products and packaging manufactured after October 4, 2026. Packaging manufactured before the deadline can continue to be sold with existing labels, but any packaging produced after that date must comply fully.

Although this timeline may seem distant, redesigning packaging, updating labels, and coordinating with suppliers requires substantial lead time. Companies should begin compliance planning now to meet California packaging requirements 2026.

California Recyclability Requirements: The 60/60 Rule

To be labeled recyclable under California's SB 343, packaging must meet comprehensive criteria that go far beyond simple material composition. Understanding these California packaging requirements is essential for businesses selling in or into the state after October 4, 2026.

  • The 60/60 Rule Explained

    The cornerstone of SB 343 compliance is the dual-threshold requirement. Your packaging must meet two critical standards simultaneously:

    • Collection Threshold (60%): The material must be collected by recycling programs serving at least 60% of California's population.
    • Processing Threshold (60%): The material must be sorted into defined streams by facilities serving at least 60% of the state's recycling programs.

  • Critical Requirement

    Both thresholds must be met, not one or the other. This 60/60 recycling threshold ensures:

    • Collection access exists statewide
    • Processing infrastructure can separate materials into clean streams for remanufacturing

    This is California's data-driven approach to eliminating greenwashing in recyclable packaging standards.

California Recyclability Beyond The 60/60 Rule

Meeting the 60/60 threshold is just the starting point. California's Truth in Recycling law requires packaging to meet additional strict criteria before any recyclability claims can be made.

Design and Composition Standards

What It Means: Packaging cannot include components, inks, additives, or labels that prevent recyclability.

For Plastic Packaging: Must meet standards outlined in the Association of Plastic Recyclers Design Guide.

Why It Matters: Materials must routinely become feedstock in the production of new products or packaging, and theoretical recyclability is insufficient for California packaging laws.

PFAS Packaging Restrictions In California

The Requirement: Products and packaging containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) intentionally added or present at or above 100 parts per million cannot be labeled as recyclable.

Key Point: Even if your packaging meets all other SB 343 requirements, PFAS content above this threshold disqualifies it from recyclability claims.

Industry Impact: This makes SB 343 one of the strictest PFAS packaging restrictions in California, affecting food packaging, water-resistant materials, and coated products.

Documentation Requirements for Recyclability Claims

Businesses must maintain comprehensive records supporting any recyclability claims made on packaging sold in California.

Required Documentation:

  • Evidence the material meets the 60/60 collection and processing thresholds
  • Confirmation the material becomes feedstock for new products
  • Design specifications showing no components prevent recyclability
  • PFAS testing results (if applicable to your materials)

Important Note: CalRecycle provides reference data through its Material Characterization Study, but brands are responsible for ensuring their packaging claims are consistent with that data.

Enforcement and Consequences

Who Can Take Action:

  • Local California jurisdictions
  • California Attorney General
  • Competitors (through Business and Professions Code)
  • Consumer advocacy groups

Potential Penalties: Civil suits and monetary penalties for inaccurate labeling or deceptive recyclability claims.

Compliance Responsibility: The enforcement model places full responsibility directly on businesses—there is no grace period for inaccurate claims after the packaging compliance deadline.

Strategic Compliance Planning for Your Business

  • 1. Conduct a Comprehensive Packaging Audit

    Begin with a complete inventory of every SKU sold into California. For each product, determine whether the packaging displays recyclability language or symbols, if it meets all SB 343 criteria based on CalRecycle's findings, and what documentation exists to substantiate current claims. Prioritize high-volume products and those with the highest compliance risk.

  • 2. Material Selection Strategy

    Most uncoated paper-based materials are highly accessible for recycling in California and are strong candidates for compliant recyclability claims. Plastic films, multi-material laminates, and complex composites are not yet meeting the statutory thresholds.

    Consider:

    • Mono-material packaging: Single-material solutions like all-paper mailers or corrugated boxes have the highest likelihood of meeting SB 343 standards
    • Simplified structures: Reducing layers, coatings, and components improves recyclability

    Infrastructure-aligned choices: Select materials widely accepted in California's existing recycling programs

  • 3. Redesign with Compliance in Mind

    Sustainable packaging California businesses need should focus on genuine environmental improvement, not just label changes. Evaluate adhesive types, coating compatibility with recycling processes, label materials, ink formulations, and component integration. The goal is creating packaging that functions within California's actual recycling infrastructure.

  • 4. Communication and Claims Strategy

    If packaging doesn't meet SB 343's criteria, it cannot display the chasing arrows symbol or any recyclability claims after October 4, 2026. However, compliant alternatives include recycled content percentages, plastic-free design attributes, certified compostability (if applicable), and other substantiated environmental benefits. The Truth in Recycling law governs end-of-life recyclability claims, not claims about recycled inputs or other environmental attributes.

  • 5. Transition Planning

    For packaging currently in the market that won't meet SB 343 standards, develop a transition plan that identifies which SKUs need label changes or redesign, establishes production cutoff dates to exhaust non-compliant inventory before the packaging compliance deadline, and coordinates with suppliers on new specifications.

The Broader Context: SB 343's Role in California's Circular Economy

SB 343 represents California's comprehensive strategy toward a circular economy where materials are actually recycled, not merely labeled as recyclable. By aligning packaging with these standards, businesses reduce material waste, support recycling infrastructure, build consumer trust through accurate claims, and gain competitive advantage through leadership in genuine sustainability.

The law requires CalRecycle to update its findings in 2027 and every five years thereafter, meaning recyclable packaging standards will evolve as California's infrastructure develops.

Clear light bulb with a recycling symbol on a blue background

Relationship to SB 54 and Extended Producer Responsibility

SB 343 works in conjunction with SB 54 (Extended Producer Responsibility), which requires all single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. While SB 343 governs what can be labeled recyclable, SB 54 establishes financial responsibility for packaging waste management. Packaging that fails SB 343's recyclability definition may face higher EPR fees under SB 54, creating additional financial incentive for compliance.

Next Steps for California Packaging Compliance

With October 2026 approaching, immediate action items include:

  1. Audit current packaging for any recyclability claims or chasing arrows symbols
  2. Review CalRecycle's Material Characterization
  3. Study to determine if your materials meet the 60/60 recycling threshold
  4. Identify required changes and prioritize highest-volume SKUs
  5. Develop documentation to substantiate any recyclability claims you plan to maintain
  6. Engage suppliers and partners early in the redesign process

Professional Packaging Partnership

Successfully navigating SB 343 compliance requires expertise in both California's regulatory landscape and sustainable packaging design. Businesses need partners who understand compliance requirements while supporting genuine environmental improvement.

At EcoPackables, we specialize in sustainable packaging solutions designed with California's requirements in mind. From material selection and design optimization to documentation support and compliant messaging, we have your back every step of the way.

Contact UsCA Packaging Laws Overview