New Jersey delays food-contact PCR mandate for plastic packaging to January 2030
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has extended the exemption for food-contact rigid plastic packaging under the state's Recycled Content Law in a memorandum dated 4 September 2026, moving its expiry from 18 January 2027 to 31 December 2029, so post-consumer recycled content is required only from 1 January 2030. NJDEP said food-grade PCR technology is not yet at sufficient scale, described the supporting research as deliberative and confidential, and said it had not sought input from recyclers, suppliers, brand owners or manufacturers. Non-food rigid containers and beverage and glass containers are unaffected and still move to 20 per cent recycled content in 2027.
Why this mattersA three-year delay in one of the largest US state PCR mandates removes near-term demand certainty for food-grade recycled resin, a template other states have followed.
- NJDEP's 4 September 2026 memorandum extends the food-contact rigid plastic packaging PCR exemption from 18 January 2027 to 31 December 2029, under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.144(b).
- Non-food rigid plastic containers remain at 10% PCR, rising to 20% in 2027.
- Plastic beverage and glass beverage containers have required 15% PCR since 2024, rising to 20% in 2027 and to 50% in later stages.
- NJDEP cited limited food-grade PCR supply and technology readiness, and said the underlying research is deliberative and confidential.
- Recycler Plastic Recycling Inc. says food-grade resin projects developed over two years have been paused and some supply deals cancelled.
- APR, NAPCOR and The Recycling Partnership say NJDEP did not consult recyclers, suppliers, brand owners or manufacturers before issuing the extension.
- NJDEP expects food-grade PCR availability and technology to be more robust by 1 January 2030 and has reserved the right to extend the exemption further.