Protect Compostable Packaging. Preserve California’s Climate Leadership.
California has long set the standard for environmental leadership, and we’re on the cusp of another opportunity for meaningful progress, where aggressive goals on packaging redesign and fees (SB 54) could rapidly change the systems for reuse/refill, recycling, and composting. Updating AB 1201 to align the law with modern science and California’s goals is essential to give Californians labeling they can trust as circular systems and infrastructure begin to receive funding. It’s time for policy to meet the moment.
Aligning Policy with Science and Real-World Systems
California’s climate and waste reduction policies set the pace for the country. Compostable products plays an important role at the intersection of food waste and packaging, helping the state unlock intertwined long-term goals for organic waste and plastics reduction.
AB 1201 was well-intentioned and aimed to prevent misleading environmental claims. However, it also tied compostable labeling to a federal standard not designed for modern compostable packaging or curbside compost, and California’s lack of follow-through to support BPI’s efforts to update those federal rules means the CA law now jeopardizes the state’s massive investments to divert food waste and reduce packaging waste.
Today, that misalignment risks:
Compostable packaging is not a siloed solution; it connects food waste systems, composters, businesses, and communities.
A thoughtful legislative fix can preserve strong standards while ensuring compostable products remain a viable, climate-aligned solution.
A Thoughtful, Science-Based Legislative Fix
Fixing AB 1201 is about ensuring the law works as intended, protecting consumers and composters, while preserving compostable packaging as a viable part of a comprehensive organics system.
A legislative fix would:
This is not about weakening standards. It is about modernizing policy so it reflects how compostable products and composting systems function today, and creating pathways for California to achieve its goals around food waste and food-soiled packaging under SB 1383 and SB 54.
Through collaboration and fact-based policymaking, California can strengthen its climate leadership and ensure compostable packaging remains a viable compliance pathway for businesses and individuals looking to participate in the state’s efforts to reduce waste.
California’s Climate Leadership Depends on It
California has set bold timelines for businesses and communities to achieve goals to reduce waste, cut methane emissions, and build a circular economy. Without compostable products, the state is left without options for non-recyclable, non-reusable food packaging.
As discussions unfold during the 2026 legislative session, it is critical to address the unintended consequences of AB 1201 before regulatory confusion deepens and disinvestment in compostables leaves stakeholders with little ability to meet the targets set under SB 54 and SB 1383.
Join BPI members and stakeholders to play a critical role in elevating awareness and supporting a legislative solution. Contact the BPI Policy Team at policy@bpiworld.org.
