Dive Brief:

• If California implements a plastic bag ban in August, Encore Recycling will quadruple its workforce. The Salinas, California-based startup currently handles agricultural plastics, which it transforms into reusable plastic bags.
• The law would require reusable bags to contain 20% post-consumer recycled plastic. 
• Since 2007, almost 100 municipalities across California have banned plastic bags, yet there have been three failed attempts to regulate a statewide bag ban. Lawmakers are currently ironing out the details of the bill.

Dive Insight:

Encore has invested over $8 million building its 124,500 square foot plant, and is planning to spend $15 million more. The company said if a ban is adopted, consumers could potentially purchase a paper bag or an Encore bag for the same price—bags which could then be recycled or reused.