Second EPR in Produce Forum Addresses SB 54 Compliance Challenges

MONTEREY, CA, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- the nation's largest produce companies and industry associations convened in Monterey for the second EPR in Produce Forum. More than 40 industry professionals, including representatives from some of the country's largest produce companies, gathered to discuss Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the implications of California’s SB 54 packaging law.

The forum, which focused on SB 54 fees, compliance, and strategies to mitigate EPR costs, attracted a diverse group of attendees. Patrick Owens, Chief Principal Consultant at Sustainable Supply Chain Transition at Recirculated, moderated the panel alongside Abby Taylor-Silva, Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs at Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP, and Todd Somers, Director of Sales at Emerald Packaging. The discussions were characterized by a frank exchange of ideas and concerns, with attendees seeking clarity on EPR implementation and ways to reduce costs.

According to the panelists, as of the forum, only about 3,400 producers had registered for the program, compared to the approximately 5,700 expected when the regulation was finalized. This lower-than-projected participation means that the costs of the program are being spread across fewer producers, potentially increasing the burden on those who are registered.

One of the key challenges highlighted during the forum was the lack of source reduction. The first target under SB 54 is a 10% reduction in plastic from the 2023 baseline. However, panelists noted that the plans submitted so far show little progress toward this goal. Attendees were advised to document their intent to comply and to submit any categorical exclusion notifications before the end of the year.

Recirculated, the organizer of the forum, also announced plans to continue the conversation through a monthly Ask the Experts series, a working group launching in 2027, and a third forum. Additionally, the company will attend the Western Growers 100th Annual Meeting, scheduled for November 8 to 11, 2026, at the Grand Wailea in Maui.

The forum provided an opportunity for attendees to meet one-on-one with providers of reusable packaging solutions and services. Four providers participated: Green Spider Reusable Pallet Wraps, PLA Solutions, WP Innova, and Marrad. Their offerings included reusable pallet wrap, coreless pre-stretched film, pallet lifecycle and reverse logistics services, and sustainable materials management for large distribution centers.

Panelists advised growers to follow the law as written and to stay engaged with the state. Recirculated’s mission remains to help supply chains leave nothing behind by delivering reusable packaging solutions and compliance strategies that work in the real world.