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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 9, 2024 09:24 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Allowing Recycled Materials in Upholstered Items |
| In the United States, over 35 million tons of plastic waste is generated each year, less than 6% of which is recycled. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection found that plastic is one of the 10 most common materials found in our state’s residential waste. Recycling plastic, as opposed to producing new plastic, saves energy and oil, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. Some of Pennsylvania’s manufacturing laws prevent the use of recycled materials in different industries, including stuffed toys and upholstered items. Permitting recycled materials to be used in manufacturing can increase the market for recycled materials, create jobs, and help reduce our carbon footprint. For these reasons and more, I will be introducing legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Bedding and Upholstery Law to permit the manufacture and sale of upholstered items made with recycled materials in Pennsylvania. These materials would be held to the same standard of cleanliness and sterilization as the materials currently used in manufacturing. This update simply creates a more environmentally conscious alternative for Pennsylvania manufacturers to produce their goods. Please consider joining me in sponsoring this legislation to help keep recyclables out of landfills and create more business opportunities for Pennsylvania manufacturers and local businesses. |
Introduced as HB2322