Food and beverage cartons have gained new regulatory clarity in California after
CalRecycle updated its Senate Bill 343 findings to recognize that cartons meet the state’s sortation threshold for recyclable labeling.
Published June 24, the update revises CalRecycle’s SB 343 Final Findings Report using new carton sortation data from material recovery facilities serving 62% of California counties. That level exceeds the statewide threshold used to determine whether packaging can make recyclability claims, including use of the chasing-arrows symbol.
The change matters for
carton manufacturers, recyclers and consumer packaged goods companies operating in one of the most closely watched packaging markets in the U.S. Under SB 343, recyclability claims must be backed by specific criteria, making CalRecycle’s characterization findings an important reference for packaging and label decisions.
The update also arrives as brands face closer scrutiny over environmental claims. Rather than relying on whether a package is technically recyclable, California’s framework looks at whether it is collected, sorted and moving through recycling systems in practice.
For cartons used in milk, juice, broth, soup and other
food and beverage categories, the decision provides a stronger compliance footing. It also gives brands more confidence when assessing packaging claims in a market that often influences broader U.S. packaging policy.
MRF Sortation Data Strengthens the Case for Cartons
CalRecycle’s revised evaluation includes newly verified carton sortation at three California facilities: Western Placer Waste Management Authority MRF in Roseville, Pacific Recycling Solutions MRF in Ukiah and Cold Canyon Landfill MRF in San Luis Obispo.
Together with facilities already identified by the agency, these operations sort cartons into PSI Grade 52 bales and serve 21 California counties. That finding helps show that cartons are not only accepted in recycling programs, but are also being sorted and marketed through established recycling channels.
The Carton Council, which represents Elopak, Novolex, SIG and Tetra Pak, said the update reflects increased recycling system capacity for food and beverage cartons in California. The group has also emphasized that accurate labeling can support consumer participation and improve material supply for carton recycling end markets.
Still, the update does not resolve every challenge facing carton recovery. Recycling access, household participation, sorting consistency and end-market demand remain central to improving recovery rates. Continued investment in sortation capacity will also be important as packaging rules become more data-driven.
For B2B packaging stakeholders, the SB 343 update is a practical signal. Cartons now have a stronger basis for recyclable labeling in California, but long-term progress will depend on whether collection, sorting and market demand continue to scale.
