From 1 July 2025, New Zealand exporters of beverages like wine, beer, and spirits must comply with California’s updated recycling labelling laws. The California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act now mandates that all beverage containers display a “California Redemption Value” (CRV) statement, either via label, embossment, or stamp. This change aims to boost recycling efforts and reduce landfill waste, a significant concern as California prioritizes sustainable practices.
The US is New Zealand’s largest market for beverages, with exports totaling NZD$822 million in the year to August 2024. Of this, California accounted for NZD $440 million, making it the leading buyer of New Zealand wines, surpassing all other states. Compliance with the new labelling requirements is critical to ensure continued access to this lucrative market, especially since California is the largest purchaser of New Zealand wine, with US wine imports from New Zealand ranking third after French and Italian wines.
New Zealand beverage producers should collaborate with US distributors and retailers early to align with the CRV regulations. This proactive approach will help avoid disruptions and ensure products remain on Californian shelves. For more details, exporters are advised to consult CalRecycle’s website or contact New Zealand Winegrowers for sector-specific guidance.
You can read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT)’s full report here.