September 16, 2025
California Senate Bill 343 (SB 343), signed into law in 2021, is set to fundamentally reshape how recyclability is marketed on packaging—especially for the booming cannabis and hemp sectors. As of 2025–2026, cannabis and hemp brands distributing in California face some of the strictest truth-in-labeling standards for packaging in the U.S. CalRecycle’s SB 343 program page and latest August 2025 FAQ make clear: the days of generic chasing-arrows symbols and vague recyclability claims are over, unless those claims can be backed up with rigorous, state-specific evidence.
With anticipated FTC Green Guides updates still pending, California is effectively creating the new national minimum standard for packaging recyclability claims. For cannabis and hemp beverage and edible brands—many using multilayer pouches, shrink sleeves, and composite closures—the impact will be immediate and material. Failure to comply risks enforcement, forced relabeling, public recalls, or market rejections.
SB 343 prohibits the use of the chasing-arrows recycling symbol or any recyclability claim on packaging unless the material “forms are routinely collected, sorted, processed, and ultimately recycled in practice and at scale” throughout California. This means recycling labels and marketing statements must be substantiated by statewide material-by-material studies—not just industry hopes or supplier assurances.
CalRecycle’s Final Material Characterization Study (2025) is the backbone of SB 343 enforcement. Every material and format—including multisubstrate pouches and containers typical in cannabis edibles and vapes—has undergone a granular, public review. Only those proven to be widely recycled (not just theoretically recyclable) can carry the chasing-arrows symbol or claims like “recyclable.”
Most of these are NOT currently considered routinely recyclable in California.
Key Takeaway: Labeling such packaging with recycling symbols or claims after the compliance deadline can draw penalties or trigger enforcement.
Brands and suppliers must retain documentation substantiating all recyclability claims,” per CalRecycle guidelines. This means chain-of-custody evidence, recycling rate data, and confirmation that each material in its exact form—meets SB 343 criteria.
Cannabis flower, concentrate, and edibles are often packaged in multilayer pouches designed for freshness, odor resistance, and child-safety. Unfortunately, most are made from non-recyclable multilayer films (PET/foil/PE laminates, etc.), which are not accepted at scale in California curbside systems. SB 343 specifically targets these commonly used formats: if a pouch is labeled recyclable but doesn’t meet CalRecycle’s real-world criteria, it’s a violation.
Popular for cannabis and hemp beverages, shrink sleeves are rarely separated cleanly in California’s material recovery facilities. Composite closures—such as plastic caps over glass tincture bottles—face similar obstacles. Even if the bottle itself is theoretically recyclable, a non-removable sleeve or closure typically prevents full compliance.
SB 343 explicitly does not allow brands to claim recyclability just because of a mail-back or private take-back program. Recyclability must be demonstrated through California’s public curbside or drop-off collection and successful processing at scale.
Conduct a comprehensive inventory of all products and packaging formats sold into California. Flag every SKU making an explicit or implicit recyclability claim—including any use of the chasing arrows, recycling callouts, eco-labels, or even vague eco-friendly language.
Crosscheck each package type and material against the CalRecycle Material Characterization Study. If your packaging type or form is NOT listed as widely recyclable, immediately plan for relabeling, material change, or both.
Engage packaging suppliers and co-packers to:
Remove ALL chasing-arrows symbols, recycling callouts, or claims from packaging, labeling, and marketing where eligibility can’t be documented and proven. This includes both primary and secondary packaging!
Update all marketing, website, and B2B/B2C sales collateral to avoid unsubstantiated or overly broad recyclability language. Best practice: state clear, location-specific claims (“Recyclable where facilities exist” only if approved by CalRecycle).
SB 343 grants enforcement powers through CalRecycle, the Attorney General, and even district attorneys or private parties. Penalties may include mandatory correction of packaging, public notices to retailers, or financial penalties. Document all steps taken for risk mitigation.
While the federal FTC Green Guides update is still pending, California’s SB 343 is now the clearest regulatory benchmark on recyclability claims in the U.S. Companies using the How2Recycle labeling system must double-check California-specific guidance, as national “widely recyclable” designations may not apply in-state.
Q: What if I have older stock in non-compliant packaging after October 4, 2026?A: Only products manufactured after that date are covered, but distributors and retailers are wise to push through old inventory or relabel as feasible.
Q: How will enforcement work?A: Expect collaboration between CalRecycle, AG offices, and local authorities. Cannabis and hemp are priority categories because of past greenwashing and non-standard containers.
Q: Do EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and SB 343 overlap?A: Yes. SB 54 (EPR) mandates packaging redesign and reporting requirements for cannabis and all consumer brands starting 2026–2028. Coordination is vital. See our SB 54 coverage.
Are you ready for California’s SB 343 packaging rule? For up-to-date resources, real-time compliance alerts, and tailored consulting for cannabis and hemp brands, visit CannabisRegulations.ai today. Stay ahead of California’s ever-changing cannabis and hemp packaging regulations—and keep your claims compliant through 2025 and beyond!
