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Californians Dreaming of Improved Recycling for SB 54Californians Dreaming of Improved Recycling for SB 54

Survey finds Golden State voters prefer an approach that encourages specific advanced recycling technologies over one that aims to eliminate single-use plastic.

Staff

January 28, 2025

2 Min Read
survey results
New survey from Stagwell’s The Harris Poll confirms California voters support innovative recycling efforts to ensure the success of SB 54.Image courtesy of Stagwell Inc.

According to a survey released January 27 by Stagwell's The Harris Poll on behalf of Eastman, California voters have high expectations for the effectiveness of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, known as SB 54.

The survey found that 81% of California voters support the legislation, and 63% want the state to expand and improve its recycling infrastructure to find ways to give a new life to plastics. 

That compares to only 27% who prefer the state eliminate single-use plastic and stop manufacturing new plastics.

The survey also finds that voters see clear differences between chemical recycling technologies and strongly believe methanolysis — a technology that can recycle the most common plastic packaging waste into new plastic materials again and again — should be part of any solution implemented under SB 54.

Survey says voters need more than mechanical recycling

A majority (56%) of voters understand mechanical recycling alone cannot meet California's SB 54 recycling targets.

"California voters want SB 54 to be successful, which means regulations must recognize what voters already know — that not all chemical recycling is the same, and mechanical recycling alone cannot achieve the goals set out in the legislation," says Sandeep Bangaru, VP, circular economy platforms, Eastman. "We have technology today to help keep plastic out of the environment and begin to end the cycle of burned or buried plastic waste. Eastman's cutting-edge technology transforms common plastic waste into new materials that can be recycled again and again while reducing CO2 and other emissions, compared to producing new plastic or old recycling technologies. This technology makes it possible to reduce the production of new plastics altogether."

Related:Plastics Companies, Brands Keep Eyes on CA SB 54 Deadline

When provided with a simple explanation, 65% of California voters surveyed agree that not all chemical recycling is the same and quickly understand there are meaningful differences between processes. 

Meanwhile, 71% of respondents say that it matters to them that the products they buy are made with recycled plastic.

The study surveyed 1,005 registered California voters, representative of the state, on key demographic characteristics defined by the US Census.

Explore more about Eastman and methanolysis at PlasticsToday.

About the Author

Staff

Informa Markets Engineering

The Informa Markets Engineering network of B2B media sites includes Design News, Battery Technology, Medical Device & Diagnostic Industry (MD+DI), Packaging Digest, PlasticsToday, and Powder & Bulk Solids.

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