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Dive Brief:
- A judge in California has granted a preliminary injunction that will block upcoming enforcement of SB 343, the groundbreaking “truth in labeling” law passed in 2021 that aimed to reduce consumer confusion by ensuring that packaging does not feature recyclability symbols like the chasing arrows unless certain criteria are met.
- The law, which was due to take effect Oct. 4, created challenges for businesses navigating packaging labeling in California and beyond. Packaging associations including the Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association, along with more than a dozen other groups, filed a federal lawsuit in March, arguing that SB 343 restricts free speech.
- There was a hearing in early June leading to this week’s decision. Judge William Q. Hayes found merit in the First Amendment challenge. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, the defendant in the case, is now “enjoined from enforcing SB 343 until further order of the Court.”
Dive Insight:
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
