New Survey From Stagwell's (STGW) The Harris Poll: California Voters Support Innovative Recycling Efforts to Ensure Success of S.B. 54

California voters show strong support for S.B.

Rhea-AI Summary

California voters show strong support for S.B. 54, with 81% backing the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, according to a new survey by The Harris Poll. The study reveals that 63% of voters prefer expanding recycling infrastructure over eliminating single-use plastic (27%).

The survey, which polled 1,005 registered California voters, highlights that 56% understand mechanical recycling alone cannot meet the state's S.B. 54 targets. Notably, 65% of voters recognize that different chemical recycling methods have varying impacts, and 71% value products made with recycled plastic.

Voters particularly support methanolysis technology, which enables repeated recycling of common plastic packaging waste into new materials. The technology promises to reduce CO2 emissions compared to new plastic production or traditional recycling methods, while helping to address plastic waste challenges.

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California voters support S.B. 54, and 63% believe the state must expand and improve the state's recycling infrastructure to include new technologies

Survey finds that voters prefer an approach that encourages recycling innovation over one that encourages eliminating single-use plastic

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a survey released today by Stagwell's (NASDAQ: STGW) The Harris Poll on behalf of Eastman, California voters have high expectations for the effectiveness of the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, known as S.B. 54, but show little support for regulations that would ban plastics. More than 8-in-10 (81%) California voters support the legislation, and 63% want the state to expand and improve its recycling infrastructure to find ways to give a new life to plastics. That compares to only 27% who prefer the state eliminate single-use plastic and stop manufacturing new plastics.

The survey also finds that voters see clear differences between chemical recycling technologies and strongly believe methanolysis – a technology that can recycle the most common plastic packaging waste into new plastic materials over and over again – should be part of any solution implemented under S.B. 54. A majority (56%) of voters understand mechanical recycling alone can't meet California's S.B. 54 recycling targets.

"California voters want S.B. 54 to be successful, which means regulations must recognize what voters already know – not all chemical recycling is the same, and mechanical recycling alone cannot achieve the goals set out in the legislation," said Sandeep Bangaru, Vice President of Circular Economy Platforms at Eastman. "We have technology today to help keep plastic out of the environment and begin to end the cycle of burned or buried plastic waste. Eastman's cutting-edge technology transforms common plastic waste into new materials that can be recycled again and again while reducing CO2 and other emissions, compared to producing new plastic or old recycling technologies. This technology makes it possible to reduce the production of new plastics altogether."

Two-thirds (65%) of California voters surveyed agree, when provided with a simple explanation, that not all chemical recycling is the same and quickly understand there are meaningful differences between processes. Meanwhile, 71% of respondents say that it matters to them that the products they buy are made with recycled plastic.

The study surveyed 1,005 registered California voters, representative of the state, on key demographic characteristics defined by the U.S. Census.

About The Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that delivers proven intelligence for transformational times. Responsible for one of the longest-running surveys in the United States, Harris Poll provides unique context and social insights based on having analyzed public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963. It works with clients in three primary areas: building modern corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and data driven thought leadership. It is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing.

About Stagwell
Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world's most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.   

About Eastman
Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. For more information, visit Eastman.com.

Methodology Statement
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Eastman from January 2 - 7, 2025 among 1,005 registered voters in California ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval.  For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + /-3.2  percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Allison.ewell@harrispoll.com.

Contact
Allison Ewell
Allison.ewell@harrispoll.com 

 

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SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What percentage of California voters support S.B. 54 according to the 2025 Harris Poll?

According to the Harris Poll survey, 81% of California voters support S.B. 54.

How many California voters prefer expanding recycling infrastructure over eliminating single-use plastic?

63% of voters support expanding recycling infrastructure, while only 27% prefer eliminating single-use plastic.

What percentage of California voters believe mechanical recycling alone can't meet S.B. 54 targets?

56% of California voters understand that mechanical recycling alone cannot meet the state's S.B. 54 recycling targets.

How many California voters care about products made with recycled plastic?

71% of California voters say it matters to them that the products they buy are made with recycled plastic.

What is the sample size of the Harris Poll survey on California recycling preferences?

The study surveyed 1,005 registered California voters, representative of the state's demographic characteristics.