US Flexible Film Initiative signs first offtake deals for California film
The US Flexible Film Initiative (USFFI), a nonprofit funded by consumer brands, has signed its first offtake contracts with MRF operators Valemi and GreenWaste and reclaimers EFS Plastics and Merlin Plastics, moving more than 3 million pounds of California flexible plastic packaging to US and Canadian processors. The contracts support up to eight truckloads of recycled film per month and aim to make bale economics viable ahead of California's SB 54 producer-responsibility deadlines. USFFI has opened a second request for information for additional California MRFs and reclaimers, closing 18 December 2026.
Why this mattersIf the offtake model holds, it could become a template for EPR-driven film recycling economics in other states, addressing a resin stream that has lagged behind other plastics.
- USFFI has moved more than 3 million pounds of California flexible film to US and Canadian reclaimers since its first offtake contracts.
- Contracted companies are MRF operators Valemi and GreenWaste and reclaimers EFS Plastics and Merlin Plastics.
- The deals support up to eight truckloads of recycled flexible plastic per month.
- California's SB 54 requires single-use packaging to be recyclable or compostable by 2032 and a 30% packaging recycling rate by 2028.
- USFFI's initial request for information in late 2025 drew 32 applicants before a working subset was selected.
- A second RFI for additional California MRFs and reclaimers closes 18 December 2026.