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Connecticut: sustainable packaging labelling
Connecticut imposes two distinct package identifiers: a resin code on qualifying plastic bottles and a redemption statement on covered beverage containers. The resin regulation prescribes dimensions and placement but makes the triangle optional; the bottle bill requires the refund value or approved return wording together with Connecticut identification.
Executive summary
Connecticut requires businesses to distinguish resin identification from deposit-system marking. Section 22a-255b and its regulation govern plastic bottle resin codes. Covered bottles must display the number and material acronym on the base, with prescribed minimum dimensions. Unlike several legacy state statutes, Connecticut’s regulation says the equilateral triangle formed by three arrows may be used. The number and acronym, not the recycling-style triangle, are the mandatory information.
The bottle bill is a separate regime. Covered beverage containers must be marked with the refund value or specified return language and identify Connecticut or “Ct.” The refund value increased to 10 cents on 1 January 2024. A resin code does not satisfy the deposit requirement, and a deposit statement does not establish recyclability. Product scope, responsible actor and enforcement must be assessed separately for each mark.
Legal status at a glance
| Requirement | Status | Operational meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic bottle resin identification | mandatory | Plastic bottles of 16 ounces or more carry the number and material acronym molded or imprinted on the base. |
| Resin mark dimensions | mandatory | The number and acronym are at least one-quarter inch high and proportioned to the regulation; the triangle of arrows is optional. |
| Covered beverage container deposit mark | mandatory | The package states the refund value or approved return wording and identifies Connecticut or “Ct.”; current refund value is 10 cents. |
| Recycled-content mandate | adopted for 2027 | Plastic beverage containers become subject to an average postconsumer recycled-content requirement from 1 January 2027; this is a composition/reporting duty, not a mandatory claim. |
Plastic bottle resin-identification mark
The regulation applies to a plastic bottle, exclusive of its closure and label, with a capacity of 16 ounces or more. The resin-identification number and acronym must be molded or imprinted on the base. Both are at least one-quarter inch high, and the acronym is proportioned at approximately seven letters per inch in width. The familiar arrow triangle is permitted but not required.
The codes correspond to PETE 1, HDPE 2, V 3, LDPE 4, PP 5, PS 6 and OTHER 7. Where affixed materials or additives account for at least 10 percent by weight and differ from the base resin, the regulation can require code 7. A PET soda bottle with an HDPE base cup is treated under the specific regulatory example. Teams should use the regulation’s classification rules rather than apply a generic national resin chart.
Bottle bill scope and redemption marking
Connecticut’s deposit system covers specified carbonated and noncarbonated beverages in containers within statutory size limits. Carbonated beverage containers generally extend through 3 litres; covered noncarbonated beverages generally extend through 2.5 litres, with exclusions including containers under 150 millilitres. Beverage and container definitions should be applied together because product type can matter as much as material.
Section 22a-244 requires each covered container sold or offered for sale to indicate the refund value or state that it is returnable for deposit or refund, together with “Connecticut” or “Ct.” securely placed on the container. A Commissioner’s order has permitted abbreviated expressions including “Redemption Value” and “CTRV.” Because agency transition decisions can change, current DEEP instructions should be checked before approving abbreviated artwork.
Who bears the obligation
The bottle bill defines manufacturers, distributors, dealers and deposit initiators and allocates operational duties among them. The package-marking prohibition applies to containers sold or offered for sale, while system registration, deposits, refunds and handling obligations follow their own definitions. A foreign producer should identify the Connecticut distributor or deposit initiator and confirm who controls container registration and artwork.
For the resin code, the manufacturer normally controls the base mold, but sellers should specify the requirement contractually. The evidence file should contain bottle capacity, resin and additive composition, selected code, measured mark, beverage classification, refund statement and proof that the correct Connecticut product record is used.
Dates, enforcement and future recycled content
The current deposit is 10 cents per covered container. Section 22a-246 provides specific penalties for bottle-bill labelling violations: $50 to $100 for a first violation, $100 to $200 for a second, and $250 to $500 for a third or subsequent violation. Other bottle-bill failures can follow different enforcement provisions.
Connecticut has also adopted an average postconsumer recycled-content requirement for plastic beverage containers beginning 1 January 2027. That rule concerns composition and reporting; it does not compel a recycled-content percentage statement on every bottle. A voluntary recycled-content claim must still accurately describe the relevant package and calculation basis.
Claims interaction and practical checklist
Neither the resin code nor the deposit mark proves curbside recyclability. Deposit eligibility communicates a financial return right within the program. A recyclable claim remains subject to the FTC Green Guides, including collection access and appropriate qualifications. A recycled-content claim requires reliable chain-of-custody and calculation evidence.
For Connecticut, screen the package twice. First, determine whether it is a plastic bottle of at least 16 ounces and apply the dimensional resin rule. Second, determine whether the filled product is a covered beverage and apply the deposit statement. Verify exact capacity, abbreviations and current DEEP approvals, then retain photographs of production stock.
Primary sources and verification
Connecticut General Assembly. Chapter 446d, including sections 22a-244, 22a-246 and 22a-255b. Official current statutes
Connecticut eRegulations. R.C.S.A. section 22a-255b-1, plastic bottle coding. Official regulation
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Connecticut Bottle Bill. Agency program guidance
Connecticut DEEP. Bottle Bill legislation and implementation updates. Agency legal history
Federal Trade Commission. Green Guides, 16 CFR Part 260. Official guidance and regulatory text
Federal Trade Commission. Environmental Claims: Summary of the Green Guides. Business guidance
Bottle, beverage and deposit-initiator definitions should be checked against the current program. Last verified: 21 August 2026.