Curtis Introduces Bill to Establish Clear National Standards for Recycled-Content Claims

Legislation would reduce conflicting state requirements, support recycling innovation, and protect consumers from misleading claims WASHINGTON —U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA) of 2026 , legislation to establish clear, consistent national standards for recycled content and related environmental marketing claims. The bill would provide manufacturers greater certainty as they invest in innovative recycling technologies while ensuring consumers can trust claims about the recycled materials used in products. “American manufacturers should not have to navigate a maze of conflicting rules to make straightforward claims about recycled materials,” said Senator Curtis. “This bill creates a clear standard that protects consumers from misleading claims while giving businesses the certainty they need to invest in new recycling technologies.” Background: Currently, manufacturers can face differing state requirements for how recycled content is calculated, documented, and marketed. At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Green Guides have not been comprehensively updated since 2012 and provide limited guidance on newer recycling technologies and accounting methods. As recycling technologies continue to develop, manufacturers are increasingly using processes that allow materials that would otherwise be discarded to be returned to the supply chain. However, inconsistent standards across states can make it more difficult for companies operating nationally to determine how they can accurately calculate and communicate the recycled content of their products. The Recycled Materials Attribution Act would: Establish uniform federal standards for recycled-content and related recycling claims, providing greater certainty for manufacturers and marketers operating across multiple states; Clarify the use of mass-balance accounting to substantiate recycled-content claims when the methodology complies with an independent third-party certification system and is supported by competent and reliable scientific evidence; Require the FTC to update its Green Guides to reflect the standards and definitions established by the legislation; and Protect consumers from misleading claims by prohibiting deceptive recycled-content representations and providing the FTC authority to enforce those requirements. The bill is supported by the Utah Chamber of Commerce , America’s Plastic Makers, the Recycling Leadership Council, and the Consumer Brands Association. “Modernizing America’s recycling system is good for the environment and good for American business. Recycling technology has advanced, and federal policy must keep pace,” said Ross Eisenberg, President, America’s Plastic Makers . “The Recycled Materials Attribution Act is commonsense legislation that will support innovation in recycling technologies, help build reliable demand for recycled materials, and encourage the private investments needed to modernize America’s recycling system – all of which can help create jobs while keeping more of our resources out of landfills and in productive use. “Senator Curtis understands that America’s recycling system needs to keep pace with innovation, and the Recycling Leadership Council applauds his leadership in introducing the Recycled Materials Attribution Act ,” said the Recycling Leadership Council. “The RMAA is a practical solution that sets one clear national standard for recycled-content claims and recognizes newer technologies that can complement traditional methods so more can be recycled. This commonsense bill will increase consumer transparency, get more plastic out of landfills, unlock investment, spur domestic manufacturing jobs and help keep everyday products affordable.” “The Consumer Brands Association thanks Senator Curtis for his leadership in introducing the Recycled Materials Attribution Act and advancing a historic opportunity for Congress to modernize our country’s recycling system,” said the Consumer Brands Association. “The RMAA would create a consistent uniform standard for recycled-content claims. The bill would reduce consumer confusion and reduce plastic waste while helping keep everyday essentials affordable. The makers of America’s trusted household brands look forward to working with Senator Curtis to advance this important legislation.” A one-pager on the bill is available here , and the full bill text is available here .