The US state of Washington has banned
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in four types of food
packaging derived from plant fibers.
Introduced in February 2021, the ban’s
scope covers food packaging made, in substantial part,
from paper, paperboard or other materials derived from plant fibers. It will initially
affect:
- Food boats
- Pizza
boxes - Plates
- Wraps and
liners
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Washington’s governor signed ESHB 2658
into law in 2018. This authorized the Department of Ecology (DOE) to conduct an
alternatives assessment. If safer alternatives were found to be available, the
ban would then become operative on January 1, 2022. If alternatives were not
found, the DOE is required to annually review and report on safer alternatives starting
on January 1, 2021.
The publishing of the DOE’s ‘Per- and
Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Food Packaging Alternatives Assessment’ and the submission
of ‘Safer Alternatives to PFAS in Food Packaging’ to the legislature means the
prohibition will come into effect in February 2023.
The safer alternatives to the use of PFAS
are:
- Food
boats: clay-coated and reusable options - Pizza
boxes: uncoated options - Plates:
clay-coated and reusable options - Wraps and
liners: wax-coated options
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Assessment on the following food packaging
types was not completed in time:
- Bags and
sleeves - Bowls
- Clamshells
- French fry
cartons - Interlocking
food containers - Trays
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SGS Food Contact Materials Services
SGS’s technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and
articles in contact with food. They can ensure that your products meet the
appropriate regulations for food contact materials and pave the way for
compliance. SGS offers the full range of testing, including migration tests,
along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and
documentation review. Learn more
about SGS’s Food
Contact Materials Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the
latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Washington
State, U.S., Prohibits PFAS in Certain Food Packaging SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. HingWo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: crs.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
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