Foam Is Out. Compostables Are In: California Bans EPS Foodware in 2025

As of January 1, 2025, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam foodware is officially banned in California. This includes foam cups, clamshells, bowls, trays, and other food service items made from EPS.

Why the Ban?

The ban was triggered under California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), which required EPS manufacturers to meet a 25% recycling rate by January 1, 2025. According to CalRecycle’s official determination, the EPS industry failed to meet this target. As a result, the law mandates an automatic prohibition on the sale and distribution of EPS foodware statewide.

What’s Banned?

The ban includes all EPS foam food serviceware, such as:

• Cups
• Clamshells
• Bowls
• Trays
• Takeout containers

This applies to all distributors, suppliers, and wholesalers selling into California—regardless of where they’re based.

Why EPS Is Fading Fast

EPS foam may have been cheap and lightweight, but it comes with serious environmental costs:

• Low recyclability: Lightweight and easily contaminated, EPS is difficult and expensive to recycle.
• Lack of infrastructure: Most curbside programs do not accept EPS.
• Long-term pollution: EPS breaks into microplastics, harming waterways and wildlife.

Time to Transition: Compostables Are the Right Swap

With the ban now in effect, retailers, restaurants, schools, and institutions are urgently seeking compliant alternatives. Distributors and suppliers have a critical role in guiding this shift.

We’re here to make the transition easy.

Our Certified Compostable Line Includes:

• Molded fiber containers and trays
• Paper cups (hot and cold) with certified compostable linings

Every item in our line is third-party certified compostable and fully compliant with California regulations. All products are ready to ship, with SKU swaps available to make updating your catalog simple.

Download the Sustainable Swap Sheet

Together, we can move beyond foam and toward a more sustainable future.

Stay Compliant. Stay Competitive.

If you sell foodware into California, now is the time to remove EPS from your inventory and marketing materials. We can help you:

• Replace non-compliant SKUs with compostable options
• Support your customers with compliant solutions
• Future-proof your product line

California’s ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) foodware is growing. As more cities and counties adopt stricter regulations, and statewide mandates kick in, it’s critical to get ahead of compliance now.

Let’s Talk – Contact us today to begin your transition and ensure your offerings meet evolving regulatory standards.