Every spring in Minnesota, thousands of boats emerge from winter storage wrapped in protective plastic film, known as boat wrap. While the wrap helps protect boats during harsh winters, it also creates a significant seasonal waste stream once removed.
Now, Minnesota has taken a new approach to managing that material.
In 2024, Minnesota became the first U.S. state to pass legislation establishing a product stewardship program for boat wrap. The program officially launched this spring, creating a structured system for the collection, transportation, recycling, and responsible management of used boat wrap across the state.
To learn more about how the program is designed to operate, watch the video below.
The law requires producers to fund the end-of-life management of boat wrap through a designated stewardship organization. The program is operated by the Commercial and Industrial Flexible Film Recycling Organization (CIFFRO) under the initiative known as Wrap Recycle Right.
Minnesota’s unique boating culture makes it a strong testing ground for this type of stewardship program. With thousands of recreational boats and extensive waterfront activity throughout the state, large volumes of boat wrap are generated every year during the spring unwrapping season.
Rather than sending that material to landfill, the program aims to divert boat wrap into recycling streams where it can be processed into new products such as:
The program’s website includes a statewide map of collection sites and temporary collection events, along with preparation guidelines for businesses and individual boat owners.
Program leaders have described 2026 as a foundational “learning year” focused on building participation, improving logistics, and helping stakeholders adapt to the new system.
The initial collection goal for 2026 is approximately 200,000 pounds of boat wrap, with plans to double that amount in 2027.
Under Minnesota law, the program must achieve the following recycling targets:
These phased targets are intended to give collectors, recyclers, marinas, and producers time to scale operations and refine processes over the coming years.
Minnesota’s boat wrap stewardship initiative reflects a broader trend toward expanding Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks into additional material streams beyond traditional packaging and consumer products.
As more jurisdictions explore material-specific stewardship programs, Minnesota’s experience may serve as an important case study for future marine plastics and flexible film recycling initiatives across North America.
As implementation continues, the coming years will provide valuable insight into how specialized stewardship programs can scale effectively while supporting both environmental outcomes and operational practicality.
Reverse Logistics Group [US, New Jersey]
NEED HELP?
If you believe you may be an obligated producer under Minnesota’s Boat Wrap Stewardship Law, contact CIFFRO. We’ll guide you through every step-from confirming your obligation to becoming a participating member in the plan.
