Reducing Toxics in Packaging: California AB 2761
At a Glance
A new California bill, the Reducing Toxics in Packaging Act of 2024, AB 2761 (Hart), would remove two very toxic chemicals and forms of plastic from packaging sold or distributed in the state.
Bill cosponsors: BCPP, Californians Against Waste, Clean Water Action, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Bill Updates: Introduced in February by Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara). Passed the Assembly Environmental Safety & Toxic Materials Committee on April 9 (5-2). Passed Judiciary Committee on April 16 (8-3). Passed the CA State Assembly on May 22 (41 Yes – 28 No – 11 Abstain). See how your CA Assembly member voted.
Californians: Urge your legislators to support this bill!
It just takes a minute to send a letter.
Toxics in plastic packaging can cause health harm throughout packaging lifecycle
Many people encounter toxic, cancer-causing chemicals through plastics, whether they’re aware of the health risks or not. Plastic can harm our health at every stage of its lifecycle – from extraction and production to transport, use, and disposal.
Get the Facts on Plastic
Toxic substances in packaging that AB 2761 would eliminate:
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – A type of plastic that is extremely toxic at all lifecycle stages. PVC is used in product packaging, such as shrink wrap and clamshell packaging for personal care products and household goods. Unfortunately, at every stage of its lifecycle, PVC exposes workers, communities, consumers, and the planet to highly toxic chemicals, many of which are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The ban on PVC includes Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC).
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – Highly toxic and persistent chemicals; generated, added in, or a contaminant of plastic manufacture. PFAS also exposes people and the environment to toxicity throughout their ‘forever’ life cycle. They are linked to many health problems, including an increased risk of breast cancer.
The bill exempts packaging for medical products, animal medicines, and products regulated as pesticides by federal law.
AB 2761 would ban PVC (including PVDC) and PFAS in packaging by January 2026, and includes fines for non-compliance.
Supporting Organizations
As the bill proceeds through policy committees in the Assembly and Senate, organizations that support this bill will be listed here.
Fact Sheet
Author’s Fact Sheet: AB 2761- Author Factsheet Reduce Toxic in Plastics.pdf
Related Resources
Types: Article, Fact Sheet
Related Resources
Food Packaging Chemicals
Dangerous chemicals used in food production and packaging routinely migrate into food and beverage contents and, upon consumption, into our...
California Safer Food Packaging and Cookware Act (AB 1200)
The California Safer Food Packaging & Cookware Act of 2021 (AB 1200 – Ting), was signed into law by Governor...
California Bans PFAS Forever Chemicals in Paper-Based Food Packaging
SACRAMENTO (October 5, 2021) – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law today banning the use of PFAS...