California DOJ Fined Plastic Bag Makers $1.75M for False Recyclability Claims
Plastic Recycling | 2025-10-29 13:09:14
The survey concluded that the majority of California facilities do not accept plastic bags or process them for recycling.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The California Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement in a major lawsuit involving misleading recyclability claims made by several plastic bag manufacturers. The legal action, which followed a three-year investigation, targeted four companies — Revolution Sustainable Solutions, Metro Poly, PreZero US Packaging, and Advance Polybag — for selling bags falsely labeled as recyclable under the state’s environmental standards.
According to the DOJ, the companies violated California’s SB 270 law, which mandates accurate labeling and recyclability standards for plastic products. Investigations revealed that the plastic bags marketed by these manufacturers were not recyclable through any existing recycling systems in the state.
A comprehensive survey conducted during the probe found that only 2 out of 69 recycling facilities claimed to accept plastic bags — and even those could not verify that the materials were ultimately recycled. The findings confirmed that most facilities across California neither accept nor process plastic bags for recycling.
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Under the settlement terms, the four companies have agreed to cease selling plastic bags in California and collectively pay $1.75 million, including $1.12 million in civil penalties and $636,000 in legal fees.
In a related development, Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a separate lawsuit against Novolex Holdings, Inteplast Group, and Mettler Packaging, accusing them of deceptive marketing practices that mislead consumers about the recyclability of their plastic bags.
This case underscores California’s growing efforts to enforce truth in environmental labeling and to combat greenwashing in the packaging industry.
POLL
What do you think is the main takeaway from California’s $1.75M fine against plastic bag makers for false recyclability claims?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the key findings from the DOJ’s investigation?
The investigation revealed that only 2 of 69 recycling facilities surveyed claimed to accept plastic bags — and even those could not confirm that the bags were actually recycled. Most facilities do not process plastic bags at all.
- Which companies were involved in the settlement?
The four companies named in the settlement are Revolution Sustainable Solutions, Metro Poly, PreZero US Packaging, and Advance Polybag. These firms sold plastic bags in California that did not meet recyclability standards.
- What penalties were imposed under the settlement?
The companies collectively agreed to pay $1,753,000, which includes $1,115,750 in civil penalties and $636,250 in legal fees. They are also required to cease selling plastic bags in California that are falsely labeled as recyclable.
