According to AP News, California Governor Gavin Newsom passed and signed the new law with the purpose of reducing the amounts of single-use plastic that are used for packaging and also to encourage the recycling of plastics.
Senator Bob Hertzberg said that "we’re ruining the planet and we’ve got to change it."
The new law forces plastic makers to cut the use of the material in single-use plastic packaging by 10% before 2027, and by 2032, the amounts should be cut by 25%.
They can achieve this through either reducing the overall size of the packaging, by switching to alternative materials or by making the product reusable.
At the same time, plastic recycling rate will also have to increase to 65% by 2032.
Many states have already banned the use of single-use plastic grocery bags and straws, among other items and soon, plastic water bottles won't be allowed in national parks.
Senator Ben Allen called the measure a "strong, meaningful compromise that will put California at the forefront of addressing a major global problem."
Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, explained that while California's new law is more aggressive when it comes to reducing plastic pollution compared to other American states, it's still not enough, as it will result in a 10% reduction of overall packaging, and producers can just make their packaging reusable or find alternative materials.
She also added that plastic production is expected to triple on a worldwide scale by mid-century.
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