Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that his office has opened an antitrust probe into several plastics-related organizations and companies over environmental initiatives that may be affecting prices and competition.
As part of the investigation, Uthmeier issued civil investigative demands seeking internal communications and documents tied to so-called “problematic materials” guidelines and similar policies. The inquiry is focused on whether coordinated sustainability standards promoted by industry and advocacy groups are limiting competition and increasing costs for consumers.
In a statement, Uthmeier argued that some environmental organizations are influencing corporations to move away from market-driven practices, leading to higher prices for goods. He said companies had been given time to address concerns raised by his office but had not sufficiently responded.
Among the companies connected to the groups under review is Coca-Cola, which has publicly stated a goal of using between 35% and 40% recycled materials in its primary packaging by 2025, including raising recycled plastic content to as much as 35%.
Supporters of the investigation say coordinated environmental commitments could have unintended economic consequences. Jason Isaac, who leads the American Energy Institute, said that when companies adopt uniform production limits or sustainability standards together, it can reduce competition, limit consumer choice, and push prices higher.
The probe also includes organizations such as the U.S. Plastics Pact, the Consumer Goods Forum, and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Critics like Will Hild argue these groups are advancing environmental and ESG policies that may restrict product availability and raise costs for everyday items.
Hild added that corporations should prioritize consumers rather than activist-driven agendas and expressed support for the attorney general’s investigation, saying it could hold companies accountable if laws were violated.
The legal notices sent to both the organizations and major companies—including Coca-Cola, Mondelez, Nestlé, Target, and Unilever—state that agreements which significantly limit trade, reduce output, or negatively impact product quality could run afoul of the Florida Antitrust Act.