California SB54 Starts Collecting Packaging Environmental Fees in August, Cost Rises for Plastic Bag Exporters

The Ecological and Environmental Code of the People's Republic of China officially takes effect on August 15, ushering in a new stage of law-based governance for plastic packaging control.

Market demand for conventional PE courier bags keeps shrinking, while orders for compostable flexible packaging and reusable packaging grow rapidly. Packaging manufacturers need to complete full biodegradation testing certifications.

California has launched two landmark plastic control policies in 2026, establishing a dual regulatory system of “plastic ban + extended producer responsibility (EPR)” covering from retail terminals to the entire industrial chain, which will have a profound impact on plastic packaging enterprises exporting to the US market.

Biodegradable polymers are polymers that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms. Whereas most polymers are designed for longevity, biodegradable polymers are not.Biodegradable polymers can be derived from renewable raw materials, petrochemicals, or combinations thereof.