Conclusion: States will continue to lead the way
States have enacted hundreds of policies protecting the health of families, communities, workers, and consumers from toxic chemicals and plastics. These actions have made food, drinking water, farms, workplaces, and overburdened communities safer. These actions reduce risks across chemical and plastics lifecycles.
States are recognizing that the increasing economic burden of cleaning up toxic contamination is unsustainable. States are increasingly pairing cleanup efforts with prevention-based policies that reduce toxic chemical and plastics use at the source and promoting safer alternatives. By encouraging companies to remove toxic chemicals from items ranging from personal care products to furniture, states are helping to move the market toward safer solutions.
Evidence from retailer commitments and actions demonstrates that these policies are influencing national markets. For example, Toxic-Free Future’s Retailer Report Card found that more than half of the retailers evaluated had corporate policies to avoid the use of toxic chemicals and plastics. In addition, 68% had made measurable progress toward reducing and eliminating the most toxic chemicals and plastics from their products and packaging.
Looking ahead, state action continues to point the way forward. In 2026 and beyond, states will continue advancing health-first policies that reduce toxic chemical and plastic use, increase transparency, and promote safer solutions, building a healthier world for everyone.
