SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Landbell USA has been selected to manage the first textile extended producer responsibility (EPR) program in the United States, which will be implemented in California—the country’s most populous state. The producer responsibility organization (PRO) estimates that nearly 110 million tons of covered textiles will fall under the program, involving between 35,000 and 40,000 obligated producers.

The initiative follows the passage of SB 707 in 2024, requiring apparel and textile producers to create a stewardship program to manage clothing, footwear, accessories, handbags and other textile products. Landbell’s parent group brings extensive experience from similar programs worldwide, including one of the earliest textile EPR systems in the Netherlands.

Goodwill Industries International welcomed the decision, with sustainability director Brittany Dickinson describing the PRO selection as a key milestone in developing a statewide textile system that reduces waste and strengthens communities.

Landbell plans to establish an advisory committee and pilot projects across five counties covering roughly 3.98 million residents. The organization also intends to develop a statewide network of about 15,800 collection bins and retail drop-off points.

According to Landbell USA President John Hayes, the program aims to build a transparent ecosystem that supports textile collection, reuse, repair and recycling while helping producers comply with California’s landmark legislation.

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