Learn how California SB 343 impacts recyclability claims, packaging labels, and compliance requirements. Discover what manufacturers should do now.
Why California Created the Truth in Recycling Act
California SB 343, also known as the Truth in Recycling Act, restricts the use of recyclability claims and the chasing arrows symbol unless packaging meets specific statewide collection, sorting, design, and recycling criteria.
Most consumers recognize the chasing arrows symbol and associate it with the familiar phrase: reduce, reuse, recycle. When consumers see this symbol on packaging, they often assume the item belongs in the recycling bin. However, many products displaying recycling symbols are not widely accepted or processed by recycling systems. This disconnect has contributed to consumer confusion and challenges within the recycling stream, prompting California lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 343 (SB 343), also known as the Truth in Recycling Act.
The familiar chasing arrows symbol is actually a Resin Identification Code (RIC) used to communicate between manufacturers and recycling facilities to create a universally understood coding system. The issue is that consumers are left out of that communication loop, and that’s where California’s Senate Bill 343 comes in.
Building a Statewide Definition of Recyclable Plastic Packaging
For consumers to get recyclable waste into the recycling bin, they need to know what materials are accepted. According to SB 343, the following is required to be considered recyclable:
Under California’s “Truth in Labeling” law (SB 343), at least 60% of the state’s residents must have access to a recycling program for a product or packaging.
The material must be accepted by at least 60% of California’s Materials Recovery Facilities.
Packaging to be designed so that components such as inks, fillers, additives, adhesives, or labels do not make the package non-recyclable under the APR Design® Guide.
The product or packaging must not contain heavy metals or added PFAS at or above 100 ppm
If a product does not comply with the understanding of what is recyclable, the RIC must still be present on the packaging surrounded by a solid triangle.
When a product or packaging complies with the new rules, it can be labeled as recyclable with the chasing arrows.
How SB 343 Changes Recycling Label
The intended goal of SB 343 is to reduce greenwashing and provide consumers with more accurate information about whether packaging can actually be recycled. In the state of California, to be able to say a product is recyclable; it must follow the four criteria of the law, and records must be maintained supporting evidence that the product does in fact comply.
There are numerous materials that are not fit to be recycled, and the desired outcome of this bill is to move towards materials that Material Recovery Facilities can manage to recycle realistically.
Industry Pushback and Legal Challenges
This new structure poses one main conflict: Chasing arrows are required to accompany resin identification codes in over half of US States. The new bill has not only faced criticism from other states and manufacturing companies, but numerous California-based institutions are pushing back as well.
California League of Food Producers, American Forest and Paper Association, Flexible Packaging Association, amongst others, have been heading the fight against the bill claiming it is unconstitutionally vague and excessive. There is also fear that manufacturers will simply forgo claims of recyclability all together.
Points have been made that, rather than restricting speech, responsibility should fall upon state-funded programs to improve consumer knowledge and allow qualified claims of recyclability.
Preliminary Injunction Delays Enforcement
Originally scheduled to take effect on October 4, 2026, SB 343 is currently subject to a preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. The court has temporarily prohibited California from enforcing the law while litigation continues. Industry groups challenging the law argue that portions of SB 343 are unconstitutionally vague and may improperly restrict commercial speech. The future implementation of the law will depend on the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings.
Navigating Sustainability Compliance with Confidence
Navigating sustainability regulations like SB 343 requires more than simply updating packaging labels—it requires a packaging partner that understands the evolving regulatory landscape. As a trusted supplier, MRP Solutions is committed to helping customers evaluate packaging choices, understand compliance requirements, and make informed decisions that support both sustainability goals and business objectives. Our team continues to monitor legislative developments and work alongside customers to develop packaging solutions that meet changing market and regulatory expectations.
Sources
Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). (2025). California Labeling Guidance for Plastic Packaging: California SB 343 Accurate Recycling Labeling Law. APR Policy Brief. https://plasticsrecycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/APR-PolicyBrief-CA-SB343-CaliforniaAccurateLabeling.pdf
California Legislature. (2021). Senate Bill No. 343 (SB 343): Environmental Advertising Claims; Recycling. California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB343
California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). SB 343: Accurate Recycling Labels. https://calrecycle.ca.gov/wcs/recyclinglabels/
ASTM International. (2013). ASTM Plastics Committee Releases Major Revisions to Resin Identification Code (RIC) Standard. ASTM News Release.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (2019). Resin Identification Codes (RICs), as Specified by ASTM D7611. The ANSI Blog. https://blog.ansi.org/ansi/resin-identification-codes-rics-astm-d7611/
Rachal, M. (2026, July 15). California court grants preliminary injunction against SB 343 labeling restrictions. Packaging Dive. https://www.packagingdive.com/news/california-sb343-preliminary-injunction-granted/825270/
Rachal, M. (2026, March 18). California’s Recyclability Labeling Law Under Fire in New Lawsuit. Packaging Dive. https://www.packagingdive.com/news/california-sb343-labeling-lawsuit/815013/
Flexible Packaging Association et al. (2026). Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief Challenging California SB 343. U.S. District Court Filing. https://www.fbm.com/content/uploads/2026/03/2026-03-17-1-SB-343-Complaint-for-Declaratory-and-Injuctive-Relief.pdf
Aimee Weber
Director of Marketing Communications
Aimee Weber is the Director of Marketing Communications at MRP Solutions, based in Twinsburg, Ohio. She leads the company’s marketing communications strategy, supporting brand development, demand generation, and customer engagement across technically driven packaging markets.
With deep experience in packaging focused organizations, Aimee specializes in helping customers and partners better understand complex, engineered packaging solutions. Her work focuses on translating technical performance, application requirements, and product differentiation into clear, relevant messaging that supports both commercial teams and end users. She works closely with sales, product, and leadership teams to ensure marketing communications are technically accurate, market driven, and aligned with how packaging solutions are specified and used in real world applications.
