Compliance Resources for Textile Producers

EPR for textiles focuses on consumer-facing items such as apparel, footwear, home textiles, uniforms, and hospitality textiles. 

• Prioritizes reuse, repair and responsible end markets
• California’s SB 707 is the first U.S. law of its kind
• Builds on global EPR programs and U.S. laws for products like paint, batteries, e-waste, packaging, pharmaceuticals, mattresses, and carpets 

A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) is a nonprofit organization approved by the state to implement EPR on behalf of producers. 

• Creates and operates the compliance plan 
• Partners with service providers to collect, recycle and reduce waste
• Manages producer fees and reporting
• Supports producers in meeting all legal and reporting requirements

Covered products under SB 707 include apparel and textile articles. 

Under the statute, “apparel” includes:

• Undergarments
• Shirts
• Pants
• Skirts
• Dresses
• Overalls
• Bodysuits
• Costumes
• Vests
• Dancewear
• Suits
• Saris
• Scarves
• Tops
• Leggings
• School uniforms
• Leisurewear
• Athletic wear
• Sports uniforms
• Swimwear
• Formal wear
• Onesies
• Bibs
• Footwear
• Handbags
• Backpacks
• Knitted and woven accessories
• Jackets
• Coats
• Snow pants
• Ski pants
• Everyday uniforms for workwear

Under the statute, “textile article” includes:

• Blankets
• Curtains
• Fabric window coverings
• Knitted and woven accessories
• Towels
• Tapestries
• Bedding
• Tablecloths
• Napkins
• Linens
• Pillows

Additional clarifications about the definitions and requirements under SB 707 will be made during the rulemaking process, beginning in 2027.

Yes. The following products are exempt from SB 707:

Covered by other California laws: 

• Mattresses
• Carpets
• Electronics 

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

• U.S. military protective clothing
• PPE used to protect from health or environmental hazards

Other exemptions include:

• Automated, motorized, battery or manual window coverings (with cords, lifts, or motors)
• Reusable absorbent health products regulated by the FDA (e.g., diapers, menstrual products)
• Single-use items like paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper, tissues, and wet/dry wipes

Additional clarifications about the definitions and requirements under SB 707 will be made during the rulemaking process, beginning in 2027.

The statute defines a “producer” as: 

1. The person who manufactures a covered product and owns or is the licensee of the brand or trademark under which that product is sold, offered for sale, or distributed in or into the state. 
2. If there is no person in the state for which (1) applies, the producer is the brand or trademark owner or, if the owner is not in the state, the exclusive licensee of the brand or trademark. 
3. If there is no person in the state for which (1) or (2) applies, the producer is the importer of the covered product into the state for sale or distribution. 
4. If none of the above apply, the producer is the distributor, retailer, or wholesaler that sells the product in or into the state. 

The following entities are not considered producers under SB 707: 

• Sellers that sell only secondhand covered products 
• Sellers with less than $1 million in annual aggregate global turnover (subject to inflation YOY) 

Note that online marketplaces are required to annually notify CalRecycle and the PRO about third-party sellers with sales of covered products exceeding $1 million on their platform in the prior year. 

Additional clarifications about the definitions and requirements under SB 707 will be made during the rulemaking process, beginning in 2027.

Start by assessing your reporting readiness and preparing to register with an approved PRO by July 1, 2026.

Steps to take now:

• Review the producer definition with your legal teams to determine if you are obligated for covered products in California
• Educate internal teams on EPR compliance requirements
• Evaluate internal data systems to support future reporting requirements
• Click the links below to subscribe to:
  • Textile Renewal Alliance newsletter
  • CalRecycle’s Textile Stewardship updates

If you believe your organization may be a considered producer, review statute 42984.3(s) for the full definition.

Reminder: Textile Renewal Alliance does not provide legal advice and cannot make this determination for you.