A multistate coalition of US state attorneys general led by Florida are accusing environmental organizations of potentially violating state and federal antitrust laws by coordinating with large US corporations to impose "anticompetitive recycling practices."
In a 29 October letter sent to the US Plastics Pact, The Consumer Goods Forum, and the Green Blue Institute, Florida attorney general James Uthmeier and attorneys general from Texas, Iowa, Nebraska and Montana said that by pushing major corporations to "align on restrictive plastic production and packaging standards" the environmental organizations are taking actions that could "unlawfully restrain competition, increase costs, and limit consumer choice."
The letter states that by "collectively dictating what materials are deemed ‘recyclable'" the groups have driven up prices for consumers.
"Radical environmental activists do not have the right, nor the avenue, to suppress business operations in our market," Uthmeier said in a separate statement, claiming the three groups were hindering the states' economic prosperity by coordinating business behavior, which he said would violate Florida's antitrust laws.
The letters ask the environmental groups to explain how their "coordinated market activities" comply with state and federal antitrust laws, providing supporting documentation.
The environmental groups targeted by the AGs promote voluntary packaging standards for major retail brands, offer recyclability guidelines and design frameworks that support sustainability.
The Consumer Goods Forum said it has received the letter and will cooperate fully with the attorneys general to address the questions raised. The group said its programs are voluntary, transparent, and backed by antitrust compliance measures.
The US Plastics Pact said it is reviewing the letter with legal counsel and remains confident its work complies with all applicable laws.
Green Blue Institute has not responded to a request for comment.
