In 2024, California made history when its governor signed the Responsible Textile Recovery Act into law. The law is the first in the US to create an extended producer responsibility (EPR) for textiles. Under the law, textile companies are required to form or join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). After receiving several PRO applications, CalRecycle approved Landbell USA on February 27, 2026. Now that Landbell has been approved, textile companies have until July 1 to join. A recent ArentFox Schiff memo discusses penalties for companies that fail to join by that date:
“Producers that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $10,000 per day — or $50,000 per day for intentional or knowing violations. Retailers and distributors should also note that once the program takes effect, they may not sell products from non-compliant producers. Companies should begin gathering data about covered products now, prepare for joining the approved PRO later this year, and monitor New York, where similar state legislation (Senate Bill S3217) has been introduced.”
After producers have joined, the PRO will have until March 2027 to conduct an initial needs assessment for the California textile industry. This assessment is subject to approval by CalRecycle. Once approved, the assessment will result in regulations governing the collection, transportation, repair, sorting, recycling, and safe and proper management of apparel and textile articles in the state. Those regulations are expected to come in July 2028.
Our members can learn more about ESG in the textile industry here.
If you’re not already a member, sign up now and take advantage of our no-risk “100-Day Promise” – during the first 100 days as an activated member, you may cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. But it will probably pay for itself before then. Members also save hours of research and reading time each week by using our filtered and curated library of ESG/sustainability resources covering over 100 sustainability subject areas – updated daily with practical and credible information.
Practical Guidance for Companies, Curated for Clarity.
