TRSA Strips Detrimental Language from CA Bill

Due to the outreach and efforts of TRSA, Assembly Member Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) recently amended AB 2379 prior to a hearing of the California Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials to remove language detrimental to the linen, uniform and facility services industry.

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

TRSA contacted Assembly member Bloom’s office with the concerns the industry had with the legislation and the impact 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 by TRSA and other interested parties like the labor unions that TRSA members have partnerships with, Mr. Bloom agreed to amend the bill, which is a huge victory for TRSA and the industry.”

“By engaging in the process, TRSA was able to reduce what items would be covered in the legislation and more importantly take out the ‘hand washing recommended’ language,” Schwalb added.

The legislation was amended to cover only clothing. It requires that new clothing made from fabric that is composed of more than 50% synthetic material bear a label with the statement “garment sheds plastic microfibers when washed.” For more information, contact Schwalb at kschwalb@trsa.org.