March 19, 2021 - 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
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
Assessment on the following food packaging types was not completed in time:
• Bags and sleeves
• Bowls
• Clamshells
• French fry cartons
• Interlocking food containers
• Trays
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. [http://www.sgs.com/fcm]
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. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2021/03/safeguards-02921-washington-state-us-prohibits-pfas-in-certain-food-packaging]
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