2026 New Regulations Overview: Multiple States In The United States (US) Strengthen Packaging Industry Controls

In 2026, several states in the United States enacted stricter packaging regulations, focusing on three main areas: plastic bags, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and single-use containers.

This year, several new regulations from New York to California will have a profound impact on the packaging industry, with the core objectives of reducing waste, enhancing recyclability, and completely banning harmful materials.

California

In the new year, California will implement several new regulations, including a ban on retail stores statewide from providing plastic shopping bags to consumers.

For many years, the California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) and the California Environmental Association have joined forces with environmental organizations and state government officials to actively promote this initiative, ultimately leading to the formal enactment of the ban.

In fact, as early as 2014, the California legislature passed a bill prohibiting the use of single-use plastic bags in most retail locations, but granted exemptions for thicker plastic bags. These plastic bags are usually made from high-density polyethylene, are recognized as reusable products, and can be recycled under certain conditions.

Afterward, environmental organizations continued to push for policy improvements, aiming to fill the regulatory gap concerning thick plastic bags. According to Senate Bill 1053 signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024, retailers are now only allowed to offer recycled paper bags at the checkout, and each paper bag must be priced at no less than 10 cents.

At the same time, California is advancing reforms related to packaging labeling through Senate Bill 343, which focuses on regulating the use of the "recycling symbol" (the circular arrows graphic). In the future, only products or packaging that meet specific standards will be allowed to display this recycling label.

According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), the labeling restrictions established by SB 343 apply to products and packaging manufactured after October 4, 2026, which is 18 months after the final report is released. Products and packaging manufactured before this date are not subject to these restrictions.

Illinois

The SB 2960 bill stipulates that, starting January 1, 2026, all hotels in the state are prohibited from providing small bottled shampoos and other single-use personal care products.

Previously, the state only prohibited hotels with 50 or more guest rooms from using single-use small packaged personal care products. On August 9, 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker officially signed the SB 2960 bill, extending the ban to cover all hotels.

The new regulation explicitly prohibits the use of disposable plastic bottles or containers with a capacity of less than 6 ounces (approximately 177 milliliters). The bill encourages hotels to switch to refillable large-capacity containers or adopt packaging made of recyclable materials.

Previously, California, Washington, and New York have all enacted similar legislation.

Additionally, Illinois has officially banned the use of food packaging containing intentionally added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) starting this year.

Maine

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection has targeted "forever chemicals" (PFAS) in packaging, officially passing regulations to ban the use of such substances in certain categories of food packaging.

The PFAS ban targeting specific food packaging will officially take effect on May 25, 2026.

Regulatory authorities have clearly stated that this ban does not apply to food and beverage packaging manufacturers with annual sales of less than $1 billion.

Maine has also passed a broader bill that requires a complete ban on the use of PFAS in all products by 2030. It also mandates manufacturers to disclose the use of PFAS and actively seek alternative materials where feasible.

New York State

New York State, known as the "Empire State," has further expanded its ban on polystyrene foam. Previously, the ban only covered packing peanuts and single-use food containers; now it has extended to include coolers, insulated boxes, and other refrigerated storage containers.

It is important to note that this ban does not apply to New York City, as New York City enforces its own independent citywide regulations.

Regulations clearly state that the new rules apply to retailers, wholesale stores, and regulated food service providers, as well as online retailers shipping to consumers in New York State.

The penalty standard for violations is: a first offense will result in a fine starting at $250, and subsequent offenses will incur increasingly higher fines.

In line with Illinois, New York State is also extending the ban on small packaged personal care products in hotels to cover smaller lodging establishments with fewer than 50 rooms. The regulation encourages the hospitality industry to adopt refillable dispensers to reduce waste generation.

Virginia

Virginia has officially joined the ranks of states banning expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging.

According to the state law signed and implemented in phases in 2021, all food vendors in Virginia must stop using EPS material containers starting from July 1, 2026.

As early as July 1, 2025, the state has taken the lead in banning chain businesses with 20 or more stores within the state from using EPS food containers.

According to York County, Virginia, businesses facing financial difficulties may apply for local exemption policies. Violating businesses may be fined up to $50 per day.

Washington State

Starting in 2026, Washington State's single-use plastic bag ban will enter a new phase, with updated fee standards and control requirements.

The state implemented a ban as early as 2021, prohibiting all retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, and takeout establishments from using ultra-thin disposable plastic bags with a thickness of 0.5 mils.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology regulations, consumers now need to pay 12 cents per plastic film shopping bag at all retailers and restaurants; the price for compliant paper bags is 8 cents each, and the post-consumer recycled material content of the paper bags must be no less than 40%.

Regulations also require that the thickness of reusable plastic bags must not be less than 2.25 mils.

The above charging regulations do not apply to plastic fresh food bags and small paper bags with a volume of less than 882 cubic inches.

The HB 1293 passed in 2025 stipulates that the original plan to raise the minimum thickness standard for plastic bags from 2.25 mil to 4 mil will be postponed to officially take effect on January 1, 2028.