The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) held a needs assessment informational public workshop on April 7, 2026.

CalRecycle and Landbell USA provided key updates and engagement pathways for interested stakeholders to be involved in the PRO needs assessment operation and took questions from a large audience in the workshop. Landbell USA also announced that they are outsourcing the needs assessment operation to a third-party contractor and are conducting a public request for proposal (RFP) process.

Landbell USA has received robust engagement with various stakeholders, parties of interest and needs assessment RFP contractors. Our public engagement with these interested parties is ongoing and has been remarkably insightful and resourceful.

Needs Assessment Timeline

• May 15, 2026: RFP submission deadline
• June 8, 2026: Award notification
• June 30, 2026: Contract finalization
• March 1, 2027: Needs assessment final report due to CalRecycle

The needs assessment will help define the procedures, activities, milestones, and investments necessary for covered producers to achieve the statutory targets of SB 707.

During this phase Landbell USA will track available data and intelligence on covered material flows, compositions, regulated chemicals, volumes to landfill and will document existing programs, funding resources, incentives for repair, reuse, hauling, recycling and collection of covered materials.

Essential to the study will be the comprehensive mapping of existing stewardship means including collection, consolidation, hauling, sorting, recycling, repair, resale, and educational resources to document their capacity, capabilities and ability to scale. The assessment will include a surveillance on existing responsible end markets for collected and recycled covered materials and what additional investments or incentives are needed to create or strengthen them.

Additionally, the needs assessment will produce a corresponding operational and funding gap analysis to determine the additional stewardship resources and funding needed for producers to achieve their obligations.

The assessment findings will help to shape the PRO’s planned budget, producer fee structure, collection targets, and performance goals.

The final needs assessment report will be foundational in developing the PRO stewardship plan. July 1, 2030, is the deadline for Landbell USA to submit an approved stewardship plan to CalRecycle.

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The landscape of textile manufacturing and retail in California has officially moved from “policy” to “execution.” With SB 707, also known as the Responsible Textile Recovery Act, entering its operational phase, producers must understand their role in this new circular economy.

If you are an obligated brand owner, importer, or retailer selling apparel or textile articles in California, the clock is ticking toward a critical legal milestone.

The Most Important Date: July 1st

Let’s start with the non-negotiable: All obligated producers must register with the official Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by July 1, 2026. On February 27, 2026, CalRecycle officially selected Landbell USA as the single approved PRO for SB 707. Failure to join Landbell USA by this deadline will result in non-compliance and potential violations under California law. Registration is live now and takes only 5 to 10 minutes at https://register.landbellusa.com/.

Watch the Full FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

Because SB 707 is the first law of its kind in the nation, we hosted an in-depth FAQ session to address the specific concerns we’ve heard from producers across our network. We highly encourage you to watch the full video for expert insights from Patrick Gibbs (Executive Director of Landbell USA) and Iva Lea Aurer (Senior Environmental Compliance Manager at H2 Compliance).

WATCH THE Q&A

The interview covers a wide range of topics sourced directly from producers, including:

• SB 707 & EPR Basics: A legislative recap and a deep dive into what Extended Producer Responsibility actually means for your bottom line.
• The PRO Selection: Why a PRO is necessary and the specific role Landbell USA plays in managing California’s textile stewardship.
• Defining “Producer”: A breakdown of the liability hierarchy to determine if your company is the one responsible for registration.
• Product Scope & Exemptions: What counts as a “covered product” (apparel vs. textiles) and who qualifies for the $1 million revenue exemption.
• Marketplace Rules: Essential clarity on whether platforms like Amazon and Walmart will register on your behalf.
• Financial Obligations: Details on the initial $1,000 registration fee and a look ahead at when full volume-based program fees kick in.
• The 2027 Needs Assessment: Why this upcoming study is the foundation for the future of the program.

Key Highlights for Obligated Producers

Are You an Obligated Producer?

The obligation generally follows a hierarchy: the Brand Owner (if they have a US presence), followed by the Importer, and finally the Retailer. If your global annual aggregate turnover is less than $1 million, or if you exclusively sell secondhand/vintage goods, you are currently exempt.

Financial Realities

For the 2026–2027 cycle, registration requires a flat annual fee of $1,000. These funds support the development of the producer portal and the Statewide Needs Assessment. In the future (targeted for 2030), fees will shift to an eco-modulated model, where products designed for durability and recycling will receive reduced rates.

Action Item: Ensure your brand stays compliant. Visit Landbell USA to complete your registration before the July 1st deadline, and check the timestamps in the video to jump to the questions most relevant to your business.

The post SB 707 Compliance: Your Roadmap to the July 1st California Textile Deadline appeared first on Landbell USA.

AAFA Litigation Update [May 5th, 2026]:

On March 27, 2026, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) filed a legal petition against California Department of Resources Recovery and Recycling (CalRecycle) to challenge its selection of Landbell USA as the sole Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707). The AAFA contends that Landbell USA fails to meet statutory requirements to be the PRO.  (The hearing date for the AAFA-requested preliminary injunction is currently set to be heard on August 7, 2026.) Despite the pending litigation, producers are still subject to the CalRecycle order to register with the approved PRO by July 1, 2026, deadline. Failure to join the PRO by such date can result in fines of up to $10,000 per day, or up to $50,000 per day for intentional or knowing violations.

Landbell USA Selected by CalRecycle

[March 2nd, 2026]

Landbell USA is proud to announce its selection by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to serve as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for the Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707).

As the first-of-its-kind legislation in the United States, SB 707 establishes a formal framework for the collection, repair, reuse and recycling of apparel and textile products. By selecting Landbell USA, CalRecycle has designated a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit to lead the state’s transition toward a circular textile economy.

Leading the Future of Textile Circularity

In its role as the PRO, Landbell USA will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end management and proper stewardship of covered products sold within California. This includes the development of a comprehensive Producer Responsibility Plan designed to reduce textile waste and increase the longevity of garments through the procurement of innovative consumer education programs, repair, reuse and recycling infrastructure.

“We are honored to take on this historic responsibility,” said Patrick Gibbs, Textile Lead at Landbell USA. “California is setting a global precedent for textile sustainability. Our goal is to provide a seamless, transparent, and highly effective program that requires producers to fund a product stewardship program for the covered materials they put into the California marketplace, while providing Californians with accessible options for textile recovery.”

Core Responsibilities and Implementation

Under the statutory requirements of the Public Resources Code, Landbell USA will immediately begin executing several critical mandates, including:

• Statewide Needs Assessment: Conducting an initial evaluation of California’s SB 707 covered materials recovery infrastructure to identify gaps and available resources.
• Producer Outreach: Covered Producers must sign up with the selected PRO by July 1, 2026. Maintaining an updated registry of covered producers ensures compliance across all participating entities. Please note, producer registration is now live and producers can register through Landbell USA’s secure partner, Circul8, HERE.

Governance and Transparency

Landbell USA’s operations are guided by a diverse governing board comprising producers of various sizes and covered material categories, ensuring that the unique needs of the apparel and textile industries are fully represented. To ensure public trust, Landbell USA will undergo annual financial audits and provide comprehensive progress reports to CalRecycle.

“This selection marks a turning point for the industry,” added John Hayes, President at Landbell USA. “By leveraging Landbell’s global expertise in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), we are prepared to turn the challenges of textile waste into a robust system of resource recovery.”

About Landbell USA

Landbell USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing circular economy solutions and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. As part of a global network of environmental compliance experts through Landbell Group, Landbell USA provides the technical expertise and operational infrastructure necessary to manage complex waste streams, ensuring that materials are kept in use and out of the environment.

The post Landbell USA Selected by CalRecycle as the Official Producer Responsibility Organization for California’s Landmark Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 appeared first on Landbell USA.

We often see fashion as a reflection of our personality and a means of self-expression. However, the glamorous facade of the fashion industry often masks a dark reality: a significant environmental impact. From the cultivation of raw materials to the disposal of worn-out garments, the textile industry leaves a substantial ecological footprint.

A Journey of Environmental Harm:

• Resource Depletion:
  • Cotton Cultivation: Cotton cultivation is a water-intensive process, requiring vast amounts of water to grow. It can also lead to soil degradation, deforestation, and the use of harmful pesticides.
  • Synthetic Fiber Production: The production of synthetic fibers like polyester relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Chemical Pollution:
  • Dyeing and Finishing: The textile industry is a major source of water pollution. Dyeing and finishing processes often involve the use of harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, dyes, and toxic finishes, which can contaminate waterways and harm aquatic life.
• Landfill Crisis:
  • Fast Fashion: The rise of fast fashion has led to a surge in clothing consumption, with garments often discarded after a few wears.
  • Landfill Mountain: A significant portion of discarded clothing ends up in landfills, where it decomposes slowly, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
• Microplastic Pollution:
  • Synthetic fibers: Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed microplastics during washing, which end up in our waterways and oceans, harming marine life.

The Human Cost:

Beyond environmental damage, the textile industry also presents significant social and ethical challenges:

• Exploitation of Workers: Low wages, unsafe working conditions, and long working hours are prevalent in some parts of the global textile supply chain.
• Social Inequality: The industry often contributes to social inequality, with workers in developing countries bearing the brunt of the environmental and social costs.

Moving Towards a More Sustainable Future:

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Sustainable Production:
  • Organic and Regenerative Agriculture: Promoting sustainable farming practices for cotton and other natural fibers.
  • Closed-Loop Systems: Developing closed-loop systems for textile production, where waste from one stage of the process is used as input for another.
  • Innovation in Materials: Investing in research and development of innovative, eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fibers and plant-based alternatives.
• Responsible Consumption:
  • Buy Less, Choose Better: Invest in high-quality, durable clothing that will last longer.
  • Embrace Secondhand: Explore options like thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms to find pre-loved clothing.
  • Repair and Mend: Extend the lifespan of garments by repairing and mending them instead of discarding them.
• Support Sustainable Brands:
  • Choose brands: Support brands that prioritize sustainability, use eco-friendly materials, and implement ethical labor practices.

Conclusion

The fashion industry, while offering us a means of self-expression, comes at a significant environmental and social cost. From the resource-intensive production of raw materials to the widespread issue of textile waste, the current linear model of the fashion industry is unsustainable. However, by understanding the environmental and social impacts of our clothing choices and embracing sustainable practices, we can move towards a more just and equitable fashion system. By choosing to buy less, buy better, and support brands that prioritize sustainability, we can all play a role in reducing our environmental footprint and building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

The post The Hidden Costs of Fashion: Unraveling the Environmental Impact of the Textile Industry appeared first on Landbell USA.

We wear clothes every day, but how often do we think about the journey they take from raw materials to our closets, and ultimately, their final destination? The textile industry, while providing us with comfort and style, also carries a significant environmental burden. From the cultivation of raw materials to the disposal of worn-out garments, the textile lifecycle is riddled with challenges that demand urgent attention.

A Journey of Environmental Impact:

• Production:
  • Raw Material Sourcing: The production of textiles often relies on resource-intensive processes, such as cotton cultivation, which can lead to water scarcity, soil degradation, and the use of harmful pesticides. Synthetic fibers, like polyester, are derived from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Manufacturing: Textile manufacturing is energy-intensive, requiring significant amounts of electricity and generating substantial carbon emissions. Dyeing and finishing processes often involve the use of harmful chemicals that can pollute waterways and harm ecosystems.
  • Transportation: Garments often travel long distances, from production hubs in developing countries to consumers worldwide, further increasing their carbon footprint.
• Consumption:
  • Fast Fashion: The rise of fast fashion has led to an increase in clothing consumption, with garments often discarded after a few wears, contributing to a massive amount of textile waste.
• End-of-Life:
  • Landfill Mountain: A significant portion of discarded clothing ends up in landfills, where it decomposes slowly, releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

California’s Response: SB 707

Recognizing the urgent need to address this growing environmental crisis, California has taken a significant step forward with the passage of SB 707, the Responsible Textile Recovery Act. This landmark legislation introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, shifting the responsibility for managing textile waste from taxpayers to the producers themselves.

Key Goals of SB 707:

• Reduce Textile Waste: Minimize the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills by promoting reuse, repair, and recycling.
• Improve Collection and Recycling: Expand access to convenient and accessible textile recycling programs for consumers across California.
• Drive Innovation: Encourage the development and adoption of more sustainable textile production and consumption models, such as the use of recycled materials, circular design principles, and durable, long-lasting products.

The Role of CalRecycle:

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) will play a crucial role in implementing SB 707. CalRecycle will be responsible for:

• Overseeing the development and implementation of the textile stewardship program.
• Approving a Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO).
• Monitoring the performance of PROs and ensuring compliance with the law.

The post From Seed to Landfill: Understanding the Textile Lifecycle & the Urgent Need for Change in California appeared first on Landbell USA.

California’s landmark legislation, SB 707, marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future for textiles. This groundbreaking law introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring producers to be accountable for the end-of-life management of their products. As a leading global provider of environmental compliance solutions, Landbell USA is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through this new regulatory landscape.

Understanding SB 707: A New Era for Textile Sustainability

SB 707 mandates the establishment of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to oversee the collection, sorting, and recycling of textile waste. This shift in responsibility from taxpayers to producers aims to:

• Reduce textile waste in landfills: By promoting recycling and reuse, SB 707 will significantly divert textile waste from landfills, minimizing environmental pollution and conserving valuable resources.
• Improve access to recycling: The program will expand access to convenient and accessible textile recycling programs for consumers across California.
• Drive innovation: By incentivizing the use of recycled materials and the development of more durable and repairable products, SB 707 will foster innovation within the textile industry.

Key FAQs Regarding SB 707:

• What is EPR?
  • EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) is a policy approach that makes producers financially and logistically responsible for the end-of-life management of their products. Instead of relying solely on taxpayers to fund waste management, EPR shifts the responsibility to the companies that create the products in the first place.
• What does the new California EPR legislation cover?
  • SB 707 specifically targets textiles, requiring producers to join Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and fund textile collection and recycling programs.
• When does the new legislation go into effect?
  • January 1, 2026: Deadline for Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) applications to be submitted to CalRecycle.
  • March 2026: CalRecycle will approve a PRO to oversee the textile recycling program.
  • July 1, 2026: Deadline for textile producers to join the approved PRO.
  • March 2027: The approved PRO will complete an initial needs assessment to determine the scope and requirements of the textile recycling program.
  • July 1, 2028: CalRecycle will adopt regulations for the textile recycling program, with the regulations taking effect no earlier than this date.
• Who is impacted by this legislation?
  • Producers: Companies that produce or import products covered by the legislation.
  • Importers: Businesses that bring products into California from other countries.
  • Retailers: In some cases, retailers may also have responsibilities under EPR regulations.
• What are the specific requirements for textile producers under SB 707?
  • Join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO): This is a key requirement for textile producers.
  • Fund textile collection and recycling programs: Producers will contribute financially to support the collection, sorting, and processing of textile waste.
  • Potential for other requirements: The specific obligations may evolve over time based on program implementation and the need to meet recycling targets.
• How will this impact the cost of clothing for consumers?
  • Potential for increased costs: To comply with EPR regulations, producers may need to increase product prices to cover the costs associated with funding recycling programs.
  • The extent of price increases will vary: Factors influencing price increases include the specific requirements of the legislation, the efficiency of recycling programs, and market competition.
• What types of textiles are covered by the legislation?
  • SB 707 generally covers a wide range of textile products: This includes clothing, footwear, and other textile items.
  • Specifics may vary: Refer to the official legislation for the exact scope of covered textile products.
• What are the benefits of this legislation for consumers?
  • Improved access to textile recycling programs: Increased funding for recycling programs should lead to more convenient and accessible collection options for consumers.
  • Reduced textile waste in landfills: By promoting recycling and reuse, EPR can help divert textile waste from landfills and reduce environmental pollution.

Landbell USA: Your Trusted Partner for Textile EPR Compliance

As a global leader in environmental compliance, Landbell USA brings decades of international experience and proven success to the North American market. Our expertise in navigating complex regulations and delivering sustainable solutions ensures our clients achieve their recycling goals.

The Benefits of Landbell USA:

• Proven Global Expertise: We possess a deep understanding of global textile recycling best practices, regulatory landscapes, and successful EPR program implementation.
• Dedicated Team of Experts: Our team of environmental compliance specialists provides tailored guidance and support, ensuring seamless navigation of California’s textile EPR requirements.
• Focus on Sustainability: We prioritize innovative approaches to textile collection, sorting, and recycling, maximizing resource recovery and minimizing environmental impact.
• Client-Centric Approach: We understand that every business has unique needs. Our approach is tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring a customized solution that meets your individual compliance obligations and business goals.

Landbell USA: Simplifying Compliance and Driving Sustainability

By partnering with Landbell USA, you can:

• Simplify compliance: We handle all aspects of your EPR obligations, from registration and reporting to program development and implementation.
• Reduce administrative burden: We streamline the compliance process, freeing you to focus on your core business activities.
• Access industry-leading expertise: Leverage our deep knowledge of textile recycling and our global network of partners.
• Cost-effective solutions: We optimize your compliance costs while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Enhance your sustainability profile: Demonstrate your commitment to environmental responsibility and enhance your brand image.

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