Retail And Apparel Giants Unite To Launch Textile Recycling PRO In California

The California Retailers Association, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), and the National Retail Federation (NRF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly establish an independent Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). This initiative supports compliance with California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024 (SB 707), the first extended producer responsibility (EPR) law in the U.S. focused on textiles.

The newly formed PRO will be tasked with diverting used textiles from landfills by implementing systems for collection, repair, reuse, and recycling of apparel and textile products. Under SB 707, textile producers and importers must join and fund a PRO responsible for managing the end-of-life of their products. A final PRO must be approved by March 1, 2026, following a January 1, 2026 application deadline.

Together, the three associations represent thousands of businesses and are actively working to engage obligated producers. The MOU outlines a shared commitment to:

• Establish a producer-led, independent PRO to ensure full compliance under SB 707.
• Engage stakeholders across the entire textile value chain, including manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and repair businesses.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship program that enhances infrastructure for collection, recycling, and reuse.

Rachel Michelin, President of the California Retailers Association, emphasized California’s leadership in environmental sustainability, stating, “We are proud to guide the implementation of this transformative law, creating a PRO that unites producers and delivers lasting impact.”

Steve Lamar, President & CEO of AAFA, added, “This partnership signals our industry’s commitment to a circular transition. We aim to build an inclusive organization tailored for California, setting the bar for other states.”

Stephanie Martz, Chief Administrative Officer and Legal Counsel at NRF, highlighted the associations’ combined experience, noting, “We bring deep expertise in EPR and PRO development to this effort, supporting producers in California and potentially beyond.”

The PRO formation process is now underway, with operations expected to begin in early 2026. The initial focus will include producer registration by July 1, 2026, and a statewide needs assessment to shape program planning and investment strategies. Early outreach to producers and stakeholders will be a top priority to ensure a smooth and impactful rollout.