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Bill

HR 10048

Truth in Labeling Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Lou Correa

Establish nationwide, standardized labels and criteria for recyclable, compostable, reusable, and refillable materials to curb deceptive labeling and boost end-of-life outcomes.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 10048

Overview

  • Bill: HR 10048, Truth in Labeling Act of 2026
  • Purpose: Establish national standards for labeling covered materials as recyclable, compostable, reusable, and refillable; create a framework to reduce consumer confusion and deceptive practices related to labeling; and improve end-of-life outcomes for packaging, foodservice products, and beverage containers.
  • Sponsor: Rep. Correa (with a co-sponsor: Lou Correa)
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (as of introduction in Aug 2026)

Main Purpose and Intent

  • Create nationwide, standardized definitions and labeling criteria for four terms: recyclable, compostable, reusable, and refillable.
  • Address consumer confusion and deceptive practices associated with the chasing arrows symbol and related labels.
  • Promote design and labeling practices that support recycling, composting, reuse, and refill systems, ultimately reducing waste and reliance on virgin materials.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definitions (Section 3):

    • Establishes precise definitions for terms such as covered material, recyclable, compostable, reusable, refillable, resin identification code, and others (e.g., beverage containers defined as 50 mL to 3 L).
    • Defines the chasing arrows symbol and authorized variants; sets up the role of the Administrator (EPA) and FTC in labeling oversight.
    • Creates the concept of a “responsible end market” for recovered materials.

  • Labeling Requirements (Section 4):

    • If a producer uses a label indicating recyclability, compostability, reusability, or refillability, the label must be legible, on the correct side, consistent with a standardized on-pack label, and compatible with the intended discard method.
    • Prohibits misleading labels where the material is not recyclable/compostable/reusable/refillable.

  • Criteria for Recyclability, Compostability, Reusability, Refurbishability (Sections 5–7):

    • Recyclable: Must meet specified industry design guidelines, lack blocking components, be collected and have a viable end market with a minimum 60% coverage, and have a measurable commercial value.
    • Qualified claims of recyclability: Allow phased, time-bound plans to achieve full recyclability, with progress tracked and approved by the Administrator.
    • Compostable: Must meet industry design standards, pass specified ASTM-like criteria, be accepted by at least 50% of programs, and break down into compost.
    • Qualified claims of compostability: Similar phased pathway with defined program acceptance thresholds (minimum 30% for initial qualification).
    • Reusable/Refillable: Must be designed for multiple uses with a support system for reuse/refill; must not be single-use.

  • Standardized Labels (Section 8):

    • Within two years, the Administrator and FTC will establish standardized on-pack labels, including icons, terminology, disposal instructions, and placement guidelines.
    • Digital labeling options (e.g., QR codes) may accompany on-pack labels.

  • Advisory Committee (Section 9):

    • Establishes an Advisory Committee, with diverse industry, government, and civil society representation, to guide standards and labeling guidelines.

  • Enforcement and Penalties (Section 11):

    • Creates FTC-enforced deceptive practices penalties two years after standard labels are in place.
    • Civil penalties for non-compliance; funds may be used for related recycling and education programs.
    • Allows state enforcement if authorized by the FTC.

  • Education and Compatibility (Sections 12–13):

    • Federal education campaign and resources to help consumers and localities understand labels.
    • Encourages industry collaboration to ensure label compatibility with recycling and composting infrastructure.

Who and What is Affected

  • Producers and sellers of covered materials (packaging, food service products, beverage containers) that use or intend to use labels indicating recyclability, compostability, reusability, or refillability.
  • Federal agencies: EPA Administrator and FTC to regulate criteria and labeling standards.
  • State and local governments, material recovery facilities, recycling/composting/reuse/refill industries, consumer brands, and packaging manufacturers.
  • Consumers, who would receive clearer, standardized labels and educational materials.

Timelines and Procedures

  • On-pack label standards: to be established within 2 years.
  • Annual/biannual publishing of lists of compliant materials.
  • Public advisory committee formation within 180 days.
  • Education campaigns and model toolkit development after enactment.
  • Enforcement provisions begin two years after standardized labels are established.

Potential Impacts

  • Aims to reduce deceptive labeling and increase recycling and composting rates.
  • May drive product redesign toward more recyclable/compostable materials and robust reuse/refill systems.
  • Could create transitional compliance requirements and potential penalties for non-compliance.
  • Establishes ongoing measurement, reporting to Congress, and periodic updates to reflect technology and market changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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