{
  "schema": "instica-epr-page/1",
  "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california",
  "twins": {
    "md": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california.md",
    "json": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california.json"
  },
  "key": "I:pouch:US-CA",
  "family": "I",
  "locale": "en",
  "lang": "en-US",
  "title": "Pouches packaging EPR California | Instica",
  "h1": "Pouches packaging EPR California: what a stand-up pouch costs per 1,000 packs, 2026",
  "description": "Worked example: 1,000 stand-up pouches in California carry an estimated packaging EPR fee of $0.66 on the 2026 schedule, from published rates.",
  "answer": "In California, 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size (12 g) carry an estimated packaging fee of $0.66 on the 2026 schedule. The range comes from the published rates of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee that fit each part of the pack. Instica estimates it; you confirm the weights, then sign and submit.",
  "lastVerified": "2026-10-22",
  "dateModified": "2026-10-22",
  "dataset": {
    "version": "v1-281284b7e7c1",
    "licence": "CC-BY-4.0",
    "licenceLine": "Reuse is allowed under CC-BY-4.0 with credit to Instica and a link to this page."
  },
  "cite": "Instica, “Pouches packaging EPR California: what a stand-up pouch costs per 1,000 packs, 2026”, https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california, last verified 2026-10-22, dataset v1-281284b7e7c1, CC-BY-4.0.",
  "about": [],
  "facts": [
    {
      "id": "fee-source",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#fee-source",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.source",
      "statement": "California: the 2026 fee schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee, effective January 1, 2026, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page.",
      "value": "CAA California 2026 Early Fee Schedule",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "2026 California Early Fee Schedule Fees for Program Year 2026",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "fee-period",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#fee-period",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.data_period",
      "statement": "California: the schedule’s rates are based on data from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.",
      "value": "2025-01-01/2025-12-31",
      "unit": null,
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/producer-resource-center",
        "quote": "California May 31, 2026 CY2025 Data Annual Supply Report Early Fees Pre‑Program Aug 2026 (One installment) Company’s CY2025 Supply Data in CA",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-22",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "rate-plastic-flexible",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#rate-plastic-flexible",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.rates[plastic_flexible]",
      "statement": "California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound.",
      "value": "2.5",
      "unit": "cents_per_lb",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-1-pouch",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-1-pouch",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.fee[pouch:US-CA:pouch]",
      "statement": "California: a pouch of 12 g is estimated at $0.66 per 1,000 packs, at $0.06 per kilogram.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-total",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-total",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.fee[pouch:US-CA]",
      "statement": "California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-size-packet",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-size-packet",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.size[pouch:US-CA:packet]",
      "statement": "California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Packet (about 1 to 2 oz) size (4 g) are estimated at $0.22.",
      "value": 0.22,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-size-medium",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-size-medium",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.size[pouch:US-CA:medium]",
      "statement": "California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size (12 g) are estimated at $0.66.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-size-large",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-size-large",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.size[pouch:US-CA:large]",
      "statement": "California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Large (about 2 lb) size (25 g) are estimated at $1.38.",
      "value": 1.38,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-run-1000",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-run-1000",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.run[pouch:US-CA:1000]",
      "statement": "California: 1,000 stand-up pouches are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-run-10000",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-run-10000",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.run[pouch:US-CA:10000]",
      "statement": "California: 10,000 stand-up pouches are estimated at $6.61 in packaging fees.",
      "value": 6.61,
      "unit": "USD",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-run-100000",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-run-100000",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.run[pouch:US-CA:100000]",
      "statement": "California: 100,000 stand-up pouches are estimated at $66.14 in packaging fees.",
      "value": 66.14,
      "unit": "USD",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-pack",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-pack",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.pack[pouch:US-CA]",
      "statement": "California: a single stand-up pouch is estimated at $0.0007 in packaging fees.",
      "value": 0.0006613867865546328,
      "unit": "USD",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-blended",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-blended",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.blended[pouch:US-CA]",
      "statement": "California: across all its components, a stand-up pouch is priced at $0.0551 per kilogram of packaging.",
      "value": 0.0551,
      "unit": "USD per kg",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-option-paper",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-option-paper",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.option[pouch:US-CA:paper]",
      "statement": "California: 12 g of paper and board is estimated at $0.11 per 1,000 packs, at the lowest published rate of 0.4 cents per pound.",
      "value": 0.11,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Paper/Fiber $0.004 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-option-plastic",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-option-plastic",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.option[pouch:US-CA:plastic]",
      "statement": "California: 12 g of plastic is estimated at $0.66 per 1,000 packs, at the lowest published rate of 2.5 cents per pound.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-option-glass",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-option-glass",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.option[pouch:US-CA:glass]",
      "statement": "California: 12 g of glass is estimated at $0.08 per 1,000 packs, at the lowest published rate of 0.3 cents per pound.",
      "value": 0.08,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Glass and Ceramics $0.003 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-option-aluminium",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-option-aluminium",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.option[pouch:US-CA:aluminium]",
      "statement": "California: 12 g of aluminium is estimated at $0.21 per 1,000 packs, at the lowest published rate of 0.8 cents per pound.",
      "value": 0.21,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Metal $0.008 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-option-steel",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-option-steel",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.option[pouch:US-CA:steel]",
      "statement": "California: 12 g of steel is estimated at $0.21 per 1,000 packs, at the lowest published rate of 0.8 cents per pound.",
      "value": 0.21,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Metal $0.008 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-matrix-1-packet",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-matrix-1-packet",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.matrix[pouch:US-CA:pouch:packet]",
      "statement": "California: a pouch of 4 g in the Packet (about 1 to 2 oz) size is estimated at $0.22 per 1,000 packs.",
      "value": 0.22,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-matrix-1-medium",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-matrix-1-medium",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.matrix[pouch:US-CA:pouch:medium]",
      "statement": "California: a pouch of 12 g in the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size is estimated at $0.66 per 1,000 packs.",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-matrix-1-large",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-matrix-1-large",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.matrix[pouch:US-CA:pouch:large]",
      "statement": "California: a pouch of 25 g in the Large (about 2 lb) size is estimated at $1.38 per 1,000 packs.",
      "value": 1.38,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "calc-tool",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#calc-tool",
      "leafPath": "calc.I.tool[pouch:US-CA]",
      "statement": "California: the fee tool returns $0.66 for 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size (12 g each).",
      "value": 0.66,
      "unit": "USD per 1,000 packs",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "rate-paper-fiber",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#rate-paper-fiber",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.rates[paper_fiber]",
      "statement": "California 2026: the category “Paper/Fiber” is published at 0.4 cents per pound.",
      "value": "0.4",
      "unit": "cents_per_lb",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Paper/Fiber $0.004 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "rate-glass-ceramics",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#rate-glass-ceramics",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.rates[glass_ceramics]",
      "statement": "California 2026: the category “Glass and Ceramics” is published at 0.3 cents per pound.",
      "value": "0.3",
      "unit": "cents_per_lb",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Glass and Ceramics $0.003 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "rate-metal",
      "anchor": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california#rate-metal",
      "leafPath": "fees.US-CA-2026.rates[metal]",
      "statement": "California 2026: the category “Metal” is published at 0.8 cents per pound.",
      "value": "0.8",
      "unit": "cents_per_lb",
      "pending": false,
      "source": {
        "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
        "quote": "Metal $0.008 /lb",
        "quoteLang": null,
        "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
        "status": "verified",
        "label": null
      }
    }
  ],
  "sections": [
    {
      "id": "answer",
      "heading": null,
      "kind": "answer",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"answer\"></a>\n\nIn California, 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size (12 g) carry an estimated packaging fee of $0.66 on the 2026 schedule. The range comes from the published rates of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee that fit each part of the pack. Instica estimates it; you confirm the weights, then sign and submit."
    },
    {
      "id": "what",
      "heading": "What this page estimates for a stand-up pouch in California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"what\"></a>\n\n## What this page estimates for a stand-up pouch in California\n\nThe stand-up pouch on this page is a flexible stand-up pouch of layered plastic film that holds food, supplements, pet treats or powders. It has one component, each matched to the published rates of the 2026 schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee for California; weight times rate gives a fee per 1,000 packs in USD. The figures are estimates built on starting weights."
    },
    {
      "id": "anatomy",
      "heading": "What is in a stand-up pouch",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"anatomy\"></a>\n\n## What is in a stand-up pouch\n\nThe pouch is one flexible plastic component. A zip, spout or valve is part of the same weighed unit in the starting estimate.\n\nStarting weights, an Instica estimate for a typical pack and not a measured weight: pouch (plastic film, 12 g).\n\n- **Pouch**: plastic film, 12 g (Instica starting estimate)"
    },
    {
      "id": "worked-example",
      "heading": "Worked example: 1,000 stand-up pouches in California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"worked-example\"></a>\n\n## Worked example: 1,000 stand-up pouches in California\n\nOne stand-up pouch of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size weighs 12 g in total. For each component the table gives its weight, the matched published rates, and the fee for 1,000 packs.\n\n<a id=\"worked-example-table\"></a>**Fee for 1,000 stand-up pouches in California, in USD**\n\n| Component | Weight each | Matched published rate | Fee per 1,000 packs | Fee per pack |\n| --- | ---: | --- | ---: | ---: |\n| Pouch | 12 g | Plastic - Flexible | $0.66 | $0.0007 |\n\n<a id=\"calc-total\"></a>California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees.\n\nAdded together, the estimate for 1,000 packs is $0.66.\n\nDivide by 1,000 for a single pack: about $0.0007."
    },
    {
      "id": "tool",
      "heading": "What the fee tool returns for 1,000 stand-up pouches in California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"tool\"></a>\n\n## What the fee tool returns for 1,000 stand-up pouches in California\n\nEntered into the public fee tool for California (2026 schedule, effective January 1, 2026), 1,000 stand-up pouches give the figures below. The tool is the same engine that prices a report, so this page and the tool agree.\n\n<a id=\"tool-lines\"></a>**Fee tool lines for 1,000 packs, California, in USD**\n\n| Component | Category at the lowest rate | Weight | Fee | Category at the highest rate | Fee |\n| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | --- | ---: |\n| Pouch | Plastic - Flexible | 12 g | $0.66 | Plastic - Flexible | $0.66 |\n\n<a id=\"calc-tool\"></a>California: the fee tool returns $0.66 for 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size (12 g each).\n\nThe tool total is $0.66.\n\n<a id=\"tool-sizes\"></a>**Fee tool totals for 1,000 packs by size, California, in USD**\n\n| Size | Weight each | Total, lowest rates | Total, highest rates | Per pack, lowest | Per pack, highest |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| Packet (about 1 to 2 oz) | 4 g | $0.22 | $0.22 | $0.0002 | $0.0002 |\n| Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) | 12 g | $0.66 | $0.66 | $0.0007 | $0.0007 |\n| Large (about 2 lb) | 25 g | $1.38 | $1.38 | $0.0014 | $0.0014 |"
    },
    {
      "id": "rates",
      "heading": "Which published rates were matched in California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"rates\"></a>\n\n## Which published rates were matched in California\n\nOne published rate was matched to the pack in California from the 2026 schedule. Each is quoted from the programme’s own fee table; the page does not change the rate or round it.\n\n#### Pouch, 12 g: one matched rate\n\n<a id=\"matched-rates-1\"></a>**Rates matched to the pouch, California 2026**\n\n| Category | Published rate | Per kilogram | Fee per 1,000 packs | Fee per pack |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| Plastic - Flexible | 2.5 cents per pound | $0.0551 | $0.66 | $0.0007 |\n\n<a id=\"rate-plastic-flexible\"></a>California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound."
    },
    {
      "id": "sizes",
      "heading": "How size changes the fee for a stand-up pouch",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"sizes\"></a>\n\n## How size changes the fee for a stand-up pouch\n\nThe weight of a stand-up pouch depends on its size. The table prices each of the 3 sizes with the same matched rates, so the only thing that changes between rows is the weight.\n\n<a id=\"sizes-table\"></a>**Fee for 1,000 stand-up pouches by size in California, in USD**\n\n| Size | Weight each | Fee per 1,000 packs, lowest rates | Fee per 1,000 packs, highest rates | Per pack, lowest | Per pack, highest |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| Packet (about 1 to 2 oz) | 4 g | $0.22 | $0.22 | $0.0002 | $0.0002 |\n| Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) | 12 g | $0.66 | $0.66 | $0.0007 | $0.0007 |\n| Large (about 2 lb) | 25 g | $1.38 | $1.38 | $0.0014 | $0.0014 |\n\nEach component of the stand-up pouch priced at every size, at the matched rates for California.\n\n<a id=\"matrix\"></a>**Fee per 1,000 packs by component and size, California, in USD**\n\n| Component | Packet (about 1 to 2 oz) | Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) | Large (about 2 lb) |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| Pouch | 4 g: $0.22 | 12 g: $0.66 | 25 g: $1.38 |"
    },
    {
      "id": "options",
      "heading": "What if the stand-up pouch used another material?",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"options\"></a>\n\n## What if the stand-up pouch used another material?\n\nSuppose the main component of the stand-up pouch, weighing 12 g, were made of another material. The table prices the same weight in each material class that California publishes a rate for, at the lowest published rate in that class.\n\n<a id=\"options-table\"></a>**Same weight, different material, California, in USD per 1,000 packs**\n\n| Material | Lowest published rate | Fee per 1,000 packs at that rate | Highest published rate | Fee per 1,000 packs at that rate |\n| --- | ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| paper and board | 0.4 cents per pound | $0.11 | 0.4 cents per pound | $0.11 |\n| plastic | 2.5 cents per pound | $0.66 | 2.5 cents per pound | $0.66 |\n| glass | 0.3 cents per pound | $0.08 | 0.3 cents per pound | $0.08 |\n| aluminium | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 |\n| steel | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 |\n\n<a id=\"options-all\"></a>**Every matched rate of the other materials at 12 g, California, in USD**\n\n| Material | Category | Published rate | Fee per 1,000 packs | Fee per pack |\n| --- | --- | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| paper and board | Paper/Fiber | 0.4 cents per pound | $0.11 | $0.0001 |\n| glass | Glass and Ceramics | 0.3 cents per pound | $0.08 | $0.0001 |\n| aluminium | Metal | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 | $0.0002 |\n| steel | Metal | 0.8 cents per pound | $0.21 | $0.0002 |\n\nA fee comparison only: another material changes weight and protection too."
    },
    {
      "id": "volume",
      "heading": "What a larger run of stand-up pouches costs in California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"volume\"></a>\n\n## What a larger run of stand-up pouches costs in California\n\nFees scale with the number of packs, because the schedule charges by mass. The table repeats the worked example for larger runs of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) stand-up pouch in California. Nothing else changes between rows: the same weights and the same matched rates apply.\n\n<a id=\"volume-table\"></a>**Fee by run size for the stand-up pouch in California, in USD**\n\n| Packs | Total weight | Fee at the lowest rates | Fee at the highest rates |\n| ---: | ---: | ---: | ---: |\n| 100 | 1.2 kg | $0.07 | $0.07 |\n| 500 | 6 kg | $0.33 | $0.33 |\n| 1,000 | 12 kg | $0.66 | $0.66 |\n| 5,000 | 60 kg | $3.31 | $3.31 |\n| 10,000 | 120 kg | $6.61 | $6.61 |\n| 50,000 | 600 kg | $33.07 | $33.07 |\n| 100,000 | 1,200 kg | $66.14 | $66.14 |\n| 500,000 | 6,000 kg | $330.69 | $330.69 |\n| 1,000,000 | 12,000 kg | $661.39 | $661.39 |\n\n<a id=\"calc-pack\"></a>California: a single stand-up pouch is estimated at $0.0007 in packaging fees.\n\n<a id=\"calc-blended\"></a>California: across all its components, a stand-up pouch is priced at $0.0551 per kilogram of packaging.\n\nTaken as a whole, the pack is priced at $0.0551 per kilogram of packaging, so a heavier pack costs more in proportion to its weight.\n\nFlat fee bands, registration fees and minimum charges sit outside this per-kilogram table."
    },
    {
      "id": "schedule",
      "heading": "The fee schedule behind these figures for California",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"schedule\"></a>\n\n## The fee schedule behind these figures for California\n\nThe rates come from the 2026 schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee for California, effective January 1, 2026. The facts below record where it was published and what else the schedule charges.\n\n<a id=\"fee-source\"></a>California: the 2026 fee schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee, effective January 1, 2026, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page.\n\n<a id=\"fee-period\"></a>California: the schedule’s rates are based on data from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025."
    },
    {
      "id": "levers",
      "heading": "Ways to lower the fee on a stand-up pouch",
      "kind": "body",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"levers\"></a>\n\n## Ways to lower the fee on a stand-up pouch\n\nFilm thickness sets the weight, so a thinner structure that still protects the product is the most direct way to lower a mass-based fee.\n\nSingle-material films are easier to sort for recycling, and several programmes publish different rates for them than for multilayer laminates.\n\nA pouch that is sold with a paper outer box carries two packaging components, and the box is priced on its own page.\n\nPouches are light, so the fee per pack is small, but the fee per 1,000 packs adds up for a product sold in volume."
    },
    {
      "id": "faq",
      "heading": "Questions sellers ask",
      "kind": "faq",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"faq\"></a>\n\n## Questions sellers ask\n\n### <a id=\"q1\"></a>How much is the EPR fee for a stand-up pouch in California?\n\nFor 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size, the estimated fee is $0.66 on the 2026 schedule, from the published rates that fit each component.\n\n### <a id=\"q2\"></a>Is this the amount I will pay?\n\nNo. It is an estimate for the packaging alone. Registration fees, flat fee bands, eco-modulation and thresholds sit outside the per-kilogram figure. Instica prepares the data; you check, sign and submit it, and Instica never stores regulator login details."
    },
    {
      "id": "paa",
      "heading": null,
      "kind": "paa",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"paa\"></a>\n\n### <a id=\"paa-1\"></a>What are the key changes to the EPR regulations in 2026?\n\nCalifornia: the 2026 fee schedule of Circular Action Alliance (California PRO), early fee, effective January 1, 2026, is the source of the per-kilogram rates used on this page. California: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees.\n\n### <a id=\"paa-2\"></a>What are EPR packaging fees?\n\nCalifornia: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees. California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound. California 2026: the category “Paper/Fiber” is published at 0.4 cents per pound.\n\n### <a id=\"paa-3\"></a>When did SB 54 pass?\n\nCalifornia: 1,000 stand-up pouches of the Medium (about 8 to 12 oz) size are estimated at $0.66 in packaging fees. California: the schedule’s rates are based on data from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound.\n\n### <a id=\"paa-4\"></a>How do I know if a plastic bag is recyclable?\n\nCalifornia: the schedule’s rates are based on data from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025. California 2026: the category “Plastic - Flexible” is published at 2.5 cents per pound. California: a pouch of 12 g is estimated at $0.66 per 1,000 packs, at $0.06 per kilogram."
    },
    {
      "id": "estimate",
      "heading": "How these figures are made",
      "kind": "boilerplate",
      "markdown": "<a id=\"estimate\"></a>\n\n## How these figures are made\n\n> **Estimate**: Instica measures, estimates and prepares. Every figure on this page is computed from a sourced fee schedule and from starting weights that Instica labels as estimates, and each carries its data quality. The customer signs and submits the report; Instica never stores regulator login details and never files on your behalf. This page is general information about published rates; confirm your own position with a qualified adviser."
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "2026 California Early Fee Schedule Fees for Program Year 2026",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/producer-resource-center",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-10-22",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "California May 31, 2026 CY2025 Data Annual Supply Report Early Fees Pre‑Program Aug 2026 (One installment) Company’s CY2025 Supply Data in CA",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Plastic - Flexible $0.025 /lb",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-10-07",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Paper/Fiber $0.004 /lb",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Glass and Ceramics $0.003 /lb",
      "quoteLang": null
    },
    {
      "url": "https://circularactionalliance.org/s/CA-2026-Early-Fee-Schedule.pdf",
      "label": null,
      "retrievedAt": "2026-09-29",
      "status": "verified",
      "quote": "Metal $0.008 /lb",
      "quoteLang": null
    }
  ],
  "breadcrumbs": [
    {
      "name": "Packaging EPR",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr"
    },
    {
      "name": "EPR fees by packaging: Packaging EPR by packaging type",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/products"
    },
    {
      "name": "California extended producer responsibility",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california"
    },
    {
      "name": "Pouches packaging EPR California: what a stand-up pouch costs per 1,000 packs, 2026",
      "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california"
    }
  ],
  "related": [
    {
      "heading": "Explore packaging EPR",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "United States packaging EPR: 7 jurisdictions",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/united-states"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "heading": "More for this jurisdiction",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "Do I owe EPR fees California",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/do-i-owe"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Amazon EPR California",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/deadlines"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Direct sales EPR California",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/for/direct/california"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "California EPR bill",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/california/updates"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Jars EPR fees California",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/jar/california"
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "heading": "Related pages",
      "links": [
        {
          "anchor": "EPR fees for pouches Colorado",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/colorado"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "EPR fees for pouches Czechia",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/czechia"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Pouches packaging EPR Denmark",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/denmark"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Pouches EPR fees France",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/france"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "EPR fees for pouches Hungary",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/hungary"
        },
        {
          "anchor": "Pouches EPR fees Ireland",
          "url": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/ireland"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "alternates": [
    {
      "hreflang": "en-US",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california"
    },
    {
      "hreflang": "x-default",
      "href": "https://instica.com/epr/pouch/california"
    }
  ]
}