California has taken a bold step against ExxonMobil, accusing the oil giant of misleading the public about the recyclability of plastics. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, claims that ExxonMobil has engaged in a decades-long campaign of deception, falsely promoting all plastics as recyclable, thereby contributing to the global plastic pollution crisis.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that ExxonMobil’s actions have fueled a false sense of hope in plastic recycling, leading to increased environmental damage. He stated, “For decades, ExxonMobil has been deceiving the public to convince us that plastic recycling could solve the plastic waste and pollution crisis when they clearly knew this wasn’t possible.”
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and marks a significant legal precedent. It is the first attempt by a U.S. government official to hold an oil and gas company accountable for misleading claims about plastics. Bonta’s office launched an investigation in April 2022, issuing a subpoena to ExxonMobil. The 147-page complaint alleges that ExxonMobil’s efforts to push plastic recycling violate state laws on water pollution, unfair competition, and false advertising.
The lawsuit also claims that ExxonMobil’s “advanced recycling” program is misleading, with over 90% of plastic waste processed becoming fuel instead of recycled plastic. This exposes the inherent flaws in ExxonMobil’s supposed commitment to sustainability.
This legal action is part of a broader effort to address plastic pollution. Just last Sunday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning plastic shopping bags in California by 2026. Environmental advocates have praised the lawsuit, calling it a significant step against the plastics industry.
ExxonMobil has been attempting to pivot towards more sustainable practices. On Sept. 13, ExxonMobil announced a partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation for a low-carbon hydrogen project at its Baytown, Texas facility. The project aims to produce low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia by capturing 98% of CO2 emissions. This move, however, remains overshadowed by the serious accusations leveled against the company regarding its plastic recycling practices.
The legal battle between California and ExxonMobil has far-reaching implications for the future of plastic waste management and corporate accountability. It remains to be seen how this case will unfold and what impact it will have on the plastics industry.
