The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54, Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022) requires the Director of CalRecycle to appoint a Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board (Advisory Board). The purpose of the Advisory Board is to identify barriers and solutions to creating a circular economy and to advise the department, producers, and producer responsibility organizations in the implementation of this new law. 

For the 2026 – 2029 term, CalRecycle received applications from a diverse group of candidates, and we appreciate the commitment of all applicants to engage in this process. CalRecycle encourages all interested parties to continue their engagement by participating in public workshops and information sessions, attending Advisory Board meetings, and submitting comments to CalRecycle during public comment periods and feedback solicitations.  

We welcome the following representatives to the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board: 

• Nominated by a statewide city association – Leslie Lukacs, Executive Director of Zero Waste Sonoma
• Nominated by a statewide association representing the grocery sector – Rachael O’Brien, Vice President of California Grocers Association
• From a composting industry operating in the state of California – Neil S. Edgar, Executive Director of California Compost Coalition
• From an environmental justice organization – Thomas A. Helme, Co-Founder and Project Director of Valley Improvement Projects
• From a recycling service provider – Veronica Pardo, Executive Director of Resource Recovery Coalition of California
• From an ocean advocacy organization – Miho Ligare, Senior Manager of the Plastic Pollution Initiative of Surfrider Foundation
• Manufacturer of covered materials – Bhushan Patil, Principal Product Development Engineer of Amcor Flexibles
• Manufacturer of covered materials – Caroline DeLoach, Director of Sustainability of Atlantic Packaging 

We would like to thank everyone for their interest and participation in this process. Updates regarding meetings of the Advisory Board will be forthcoming through our listserv in the coming weeks. In the meantime, questions can be directed to packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov.