California Retailers Association, American Apparel and Footwear Association, and National Retail Federation Partner to Launch Producer Responsibility Organization for Textile Industry

Strategic Insights -

The California Retailers Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the National Retail Federation have joined forces to establish an independent, 501(c)(3) Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to ensuring that apparel and textiles are diverted from landfills in compliance with California's Extended Producer Responsibility law for textiles. The newly formed organization aims to develop and implement a plan to meet the requirements of the law, including the collection, transportation, repair, recycling, and safe and proper management of covered products.

Key Takeaways:

  • The California Retailers Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the National Retail Federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly establish an independent, 501(c)(3) Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to ensuring that apparel and textiles are diverted from landfills in compliance with California's Extended Producer Responsibility law for textiles.
  • The PRO will collect, repair, reuse, and recycle materials after use, and will work to prepare for the application process with the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery.
  • The PRO is expected to be operational in early 2026, with the initial focus on registering producers by July 1, 2026.
  • The PRO will conduct an initial statewide needs assessment to determine the necessary steps and investment needed to fulfill the law's requirements and inform the program budget and plan.
  • The PRO will prioritize early outreach to producers and will engage with interested parties to lay the groundwork for implementation.
  • The California Retailers Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the National Retail Federation have collectively begun the process of forming the PRO, with the goal of establishing a unified organization that supports the entire producer community.
  • The PRO will ensure that all producers of apparel and textile articles covered under SB 707 are represented and compliant.

Statistics:

  • California's SB 707 requires producers and importers of textiles to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of covered products.
  • The California Retailers Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, and the National Retail Federation represent thousands of businesses and potential producers.
  • The PRO is expected to be operational in early 2026.
  • The initial focus of the PRO will be registering producers by July 1, 2026.
  • The PRO will conduct an initial statewide needs assessment in early 2026.

Sources:

  • American Apparel and Footwear Association
  • California Retailers Association
  • National Retail Federation