Originally signed by Governor Phil Murphy twenty-four months ago, P.L. 2021, c. 391 (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.135-157) requires manufacturers to meet minimum recycled content requirements for regulated containers and packaging products sold or offered for sale in New Jersey starting on January 18, 2024.
| CATEGORY OF PRODUCTS PROHIBITED FROM SALE INCLUDE: | AFFECTED PACKAGING FORMATS INCLUDE: |
|---|---|
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The minimum requirement for all covered formats sold in the state must contain 10% to 15% in post-consumer recycled (PCR) content until 2027*.
Manufacturers shall submit an annual compliance report and other relevant documentation to the department to certify whether such products comply with the PCR content requirements of this Act.
A manufacturer may pay a $1,000 waiver fee, unless exempt, and apply to the department for a waiver from the PCR content requirements established pursuant to this Act.
Those exemptions include:
- Milk products, including plant-based products with names that include the names of dairy foods such as "milk"
- Medical food
- Food for special dietary use
- Infant formula
A package or container that contains food shall be exempt from the PCR content requirements of this act for a period of five years (expires 2027).
Key Dates:
The State’s Department of Environmental Protection will review and update the recycled-content ratios in the future based on several factors, including changes in market conditions, recycling rates, the availability of recycled material, the capacity of recycling or processing infrastructure, and progress made by manufacturers.
To help stakeholders cope with this bill, SGS offers different services to help you meet and exceed their recycled content goals and overcome challenges.
| TEST ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Identification of Plastic Material | To identify the type of plastic used via by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) |
| SGS Recycled Content Green Mark | State and country requirements for a minimum percentage recycled content in packaging and products to meet designated carbon neutral commitments |
Achieve sustainability and reduce waste with our innovative recycling solutions to enable you with reliability, rigor and excellence.
For enquiries, please contact our Sales team for details!
To obtain a copy in PDF, please click here.
* Please check with our experts on the requirements after 2027.
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