DTSC’s approach focuses on products that contain or generate microplastics across their lifecycle. That means impact is not limited to consumer brands,it extends upstream and downstream through supply chains.
Life Sciences, Healthcare & Laboratories
HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Biotech & pharma
- Clinical, diagnostic, and research labs
- Medical device manufacturers
- Hospital systems & outpatient clinics
Why:
High-volume single-use plastics (pipette tips, PPE, wipes, cultureware), filtration, sterilization, and disposal pathways that generate microplastics.
NETZERO360™lens:
Labs face the highest Priority Product exposure and the fastest procurement-driven pressure.
Consumer Products & Packaging
HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Personal care & cosmetics
- Household cleaning products
- Food & beverage packaging
- Single-use and flexible packaging manufacturers
Why:
Intentional and unintentional microplastics, abrasion during use, and end-of-life fragmentation are already a DTSC focus area.
Textiles, Apparel & Nonwovens
HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Clothing & performance fabrics
- Industrial textiles
- PPE, wipes, and hygiene products
Why:
Microfiber shedding is one of the most documented microplastics pathways and a priority for regulators.
Recycling, Materials Recovery & Reclaimers
HIGH IMPACT (Often Overlooked...)
Includes:
- Plastic recyclers & reclaimers
- Mechanical & chemical recycling facilities
- Closed-loop recycling programs
- Waste processors marketing sustainability claims
Why:
DTSC scrutiny extends to release during processing, fines, dust, wash water, and residual fate,not just diversion.
Critical point:
Recyclers may not be regulated directly, but they are pulled in through brand liability and supplier audits.
PPE, Medical Supplies & Disposables
HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Glove manufacturers
- Mask & gown producers
- Single-use medical consumables
Why:
Massive waste volumes, fiber fragmentation, incineration residues, and landfill breakdown.
Chemicals, Coatings & Advanced Materials
MEDIUM–HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Paints, sealants, adhesives
- Industrial coatings
- Polymer additives and fillers
Why:
Abrasion and degradation create microplastics even when they’re not intentionally added.
Manufacturing (Broad Industrial Sector)
MEDIUM–HIGH IMPACT
Includes:
- Electronics & semiconductor manufacturing
- Automotive & aerospace
- Industrial equipment manufacturing
Why:
Use of plastic components, protective films, wipes, and packaging,plus supplier obligations driven by downstream brands.
Commercial Facilities & Institutions
MEDIUM IMPACT
Includes:
- Universities & research institutions
- Government labs
- Corporate campuses
Why:
Large-scale use of lab consumables, PPE, cleaning materials, and centralized waste contracts.
Food Service & Hospitality
EMERGING IMPACT
Includes:
- Food service packaging
- Disposable serviceware
- Institutional catering
Why:
Packaging fragmentation, liners, and takeout materials increasingly fall under microplastics scrutiny.
Why This Is Bigger Than “California”
DTSC’s SCP program often becomes a national compliance benchmark. Once large brands adapt to California rules, they typically apply those standards across all U.S. operations to reduce complexity and risk.