To support California’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, the carpet industry has adopted a standardized backstamping protocol. This initiative helps recyclers quickly identify material content, improving recovery and processing outcomes.
Key requirements include:
- Manufacturer name and production date included on all products
- Material identification codes for fiber and backing clearly marked together
- Codes must be easy to read and remain legible throughout the product’s life
How it applies by product type:
- Broadloom carpet and rugs
- All fiber and backing materials must be listed (highest content first)
- Markings must be repeated across the product at set intervals
- Rugs may use a permanent label instead of printed backing
- Carpet tile
- All fiber materials must be listed
- Only the primary backing system is required
- Markings must appear on at least 25% of production
All backstamping materials must comply with California safety standards (Prop 65).
This protocol provides a consistent, practical approach to labeling that supports recycling infrastructure and helps meet state compliance requirements (AB863).
CARE-registered manufacturers have received a detailed email with the new protocol.
See updates at CarpetRecovery.org/Backstamping.