The Context

WHY THIS CHALLENGE

The global plastics crisis is at a breaking point. California is taking action.

With SB 54 in place, businesses across California face one of the most complex packaging transitions in modern history. Solutions built here, in the world's 4th largest economy, will help California comply and be a model for reducing single-use plastics everywhere.

Return to Earth calls on students, startups, companies, municipalities, nonprofits, consultants, researchers, and technical and domain experts across the Central Valley and beyond to propose actionable ideas to realize this transition. Both tracks address the core question: how do we move California away from single-use plastic in a practical and timely way?

Read more about SB54 in “Resources” below.

Two paths, one mission

Find Your Track

Below are highlights, see full information packet for details.

General Track

For CBIO Collaborative organizational members, including startups, companies, municipalities, nonprofits, and researchers, ready to bring a bio-based material, product, or systems solution toward real implementation.

Who Can Enter

Open to anyone actively working in this space, including startups, companies, municipalities, nonprofits, consultants, and researchers. Applicants must be Organizational Members of CBIO Collaborative, or their affiliates.

What to Submit

A proposal with a circular bioeconomy element, from feedstocks and material design to processing & supply chain infrastructure, or new business models.

Submission Process
  1. 1. Notice of Intent, due September 4, 2026
  2. 2. 4-page Proposal, due Sept 25, 2026
  3. 3. Pitch at BioCirCA by invite, Nov 10, 2026
Prizes
$15,000 1st $7,500 2nd $5,000 3rd
Download General Track Information Packet Submit Notice of Intent - Due September 4

Student Track

For undergraduates at participating CBIO campuses. No lab coat required: propose a behavior-change idea, a smarter packaging system, or a local supply-chain fix, backed by real stakeholder conversations.

Who Can Enter

Teams of up to 5 currently enrolled undergrads at UC Merced, Merced College, CSU Stanislaus, Modesto Junior College, University of the Pacific, San Joaquin Delta College, UC Davis, or CSU Fresno.

What to Submit

A behavior-change idea, tracking or reuse system, pricing model, redesigned packaging, or local supply-chain shift, not a new material or lab breakthrough.

Submission Process
  1. 1. 3+ stakeholder interviews required
  2. 2. 5-minute video pitch, due October 11, 2026
  3. 3. Pitch at BioCirCA by invite, Nov 10, 2026
Prizes
$2,500 1st $1,500 2nd $750 3rd $250 People's Choice
Download Student Track Information Packet Submit Your Challenge Video - Due October 11
Beyond the Pitch

BioCirCA Is Where It Starts

On November 10, 2026, finalists from both tracks pitch live at the BioCirCA Conference, but the pitch itself is just the door opening. General Track winners are eligible for follow-on funding through BEAM Circular, including Innovation Vouchers up to $100,000, pilot opportunities, and access to matching capital. And every team in the room, General or Student, walks away connected to the CBIO Collaborative network: the investors, industry experts, and partners who can help turn a strong idea into something real.

Up to $100K in Follow-On Funding
Direct Access to the CBIO Network
Support the Challenge

Other Ways to Get Involved

Are you interested in being a sponsor, mentor, implementation partner, or pitch judge?

Fill Out the Form

Resources

Helpful Links

  • SB 54 – Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility | calrecycle.ca.gov

  • Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities | astm.org

  • Compostable Disposable versus Traditional | bpiworld.org

  • “The voice of the composting industry.” | compostingcouncil.org

  • NOSB – National Organic Standards Board | ams.usda.gov

What is Senate Bill 54?

California’s SB 54, which was enacted in 2022, mandates that all single-use packaging and plastic food serviceware be recyclable or compostable by 2032. Producers must join a producer responsibility organization, track materials, and fund necessary infrastructure.

Discovery Sessions with CBIO Collaborative

CBIO Industry Listening Session: Technical Impacts of SB 54 | June 5, 2026 | Meeting Notes Here

This webinar explored technical needs and opportunities arising from CA SB 54 across key stakeholder groups — including packaging manufacturers, food manufacturers, and composting operators — to surface on-the-ground realities of operations impacted by the legislation.

Panelists:

  • Beverly Kennedy, Director, Regulatory Affairs – Pacific Coast Producers

  • Carla Castagnero, President and Co-Founder – AgRecycle

  • Neil Edgar, Executive Director and Co-Founder – CA Composting Coalition

  • Shannon Pinc, Sr. Circular Economy Manager – NatureWorks

CBIO Industry Development Steering Committee Meeting | June 23, 2026

In this Steering Committee meeting opened up to the CBIO Collaborative, special guests from CalRecycle provided an overview of the statutory and regulatory requirements enacted by CA SB 54 and answered audience questions. CalRecycle (California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) brings together the state’s recycling and waste management programs to move the state towards a circular economy.

CalRecycle representatives:

  • Cara Morgan, Deputy Director of the Division of Materials Management and Local Assistance at CalRecycle

  • Marcus Santillano, Program Manager of CalRecycle’s Packaging EPR Section, responsible for the implementation of SB 54

Have questions?

Email info@beamcircular.org with the subject line “Innovation Design Challenge Question”