CA Lawmakers Kill Controversial Polyester Bill

Posted June 21, 2018 at 4:20 pm



Due largely to outreach efforts by TRSA, the California State Assembly recently voted down AB 2379 (the polyester bill) introduced by Assembly Member Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), thus killing the legislation.

The original version of the legislation required that any item made of material composed of more than 50% synthetic material (sheets, napkins, tablecloths, uniforms, etc.) bear a label that states “sheds plastic microfibers when washed. Hand washing recommended to reduce shedding.”

TRSA contacted Assembly Member Bloom’s office with concerns that the industry had with the legislation and the impact that it would have on the linen, uniform and facility services industry. “We described the industry’s sustainable processes and the steps a plant takes to ensure that the wastewater meets strict standards of local publicly owned treatment works (POTWs),” said Kevin Schwalb, TRSA’s vice president of government relations. “Realizing that there was no consideration of our industry and a significant outreach effort by TRSA and other interested parties like the labor unions TRSA members have partnerships with, Mr. Bloom agreed to amend the bill.”

“While the amended version of the legislation addressed TRSA operator issues, associate members said that the legislation was bad for the suppliers of linens, so we stayed involved and encouraged the Assembly to kill the bill outright,” Schwalb said.  “Hopefully, all suppliers of linens to the industry will appreciate what TRSA did to address their concerns.”

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