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.
