California Textile Companies Required to Join PRO and Sign Memorandum of Cooperation Starting January 1 Next Year

California law requires textile manufacturers and importers to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for managing textile waste and discarded clothing starting January 1, 2026. In response, the National Retail Federation, the California Retailers Association, and the American Apparel & Footwear Association have recently signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a PRO for textile management in California. To this end, the Textile Renewal Alliance (TRA) announced its formation on November 3 and is working with its stakeholders to submit an application to CalRecycle (California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery). However, at least one other organization, including the Landbell Group, which manages 18 PROs across 18 countries, is also applying to become the PRO.

CalRecycle will make a selection in March, and by July, companies selling or importing clothing in California must join a government-approved PRO. The PRO must launch a management plan by 2030.