California Sues Plastic Bag Manufacturers for Allegedly False Recyclability Claims

California officials launched a major legal battle against plastic bag manufacturers on Thursday, accusing the industry of misleading consumers about the recyclability of their products and violating state environmental protection laws.

Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court, targeting seven plastic bag producers that supply major retailers across the state. The complaint alleges these companies have engaged in deceptive marketing practices by labeling their bags as recyclable when, in reality, most plastic bags end up in landfills or polluting the environment.

“For years, plastic bag manufacturers have been pushing a narrative that their products are recyclable when the truth is far more complicated,” Bonta said at a press conference announcing the legal action. “Not only are these claims misleading consumers who are trying to make environmentally conscious decisions, but they’re contributing to a growing plastic pollution crisis.”

The lawsuit names industry leaders including Novolex, Superbag Corporation, and Advance Polybag among the defendants. These companies produce billions of bags annually for retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

According to state officials, less than 10 percent of all plastic bags in California actually get recycled, despite prominent recycling symbols and claims printed on the bags themselves. The technical limitations of recycling facilities, combined with the low market value of recycled plastic film, mean most bags are sorted out during processing and diverted to landfills.

California has been at the forefront of plastic reduction efforts in the United States. In 2014, it became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags at large retail stores, though that law included exemptions for thicker plastic bags marketed as reusable. Manufacturers were required to include recycling information on these thicker bags.

Environmental advocates have applauded the lawsuit, which they view as an important step in holding the plastics industry accountable.

“This is a landmark case that could help address the rampant greenwashing in the plastics industry,” said Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator and founder of Beyond Plastics. “Companies have profited by misleading consumers into believing their plastic waste would be recycled when the infrastructure to do so effectively simply doesn’t exist.”

The Plastics Industry Association responded to the lawsuit with a statement defending their members’ practices. “Our industry has invested millions in recycling technology and consumer education. The recyclability claims on our products are based on technical capabilities, not current recycling rates, which are influenced by many factors outside our control,” the statement read.

The legal action comes amid growing concern about plastic pollution globally. Recent studies have found microplastics in human blood, placenta, and lungs, raising health concerns. Meanwhile, plastic waste continues to accumulate in oceans, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch now spanning an area three times the size of France.

California’s lawsuit seeks civil penalties that could reach millions of dollars, as well as an injunction prohibiting the companies from making recyclability claims without sufficient evidence. The state is also demanding the companies fund a corrective advertising campaign to educate consumers about the actual recyclability limitations of plastic bags.

Market analysts note that the case could have far-reaching implications beyond California’s borders. “If successful, this lawsuit could force a fundamental reshaping of how plastic products are marketed nationwide,” said Maria Castillo, an environmental policy analyst at Sierra Research Group. “Many companies use identical packaging across all states, so a California ruling would likely impact national packaging strategies.”

The case highlights the growing tension between environmental protection and the convenience economy. While plastic bags remain popular with consumers and retailers for their low cost and durability, their environmental footprint has become increasingly controversial as evidence of their persistence in ecosystems mounts.

A court date has been set for early next year, though legal experts anticipate the case could take several years to resolve if it proceeds to trial.