Originally published by ProductIP, this article talks about concerns over the use of PFAS in food containers, and the relevant legislations.
What are PFAS substances?
PFAS stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. This is a large family of chemical substances which comprises more than 6,000 substances. PFAS have very useful chemical and physical properties, such as resistance to fire, and repellency to dirt and water. For this reason, PFAS are used in all kinds of consumer products.
PFAS are controversial because they are hazardous for human health and the environment.
PFAS in Food Contact Materials (FCMs)
PFAS can be used in carton and paper FCMs, for example, cardboard pizza boxes or cardboard containers for popcorn or French fries. The reason for PFAS use in paper and board FCMs are its grease repellant properties.
There is no European harmonised legislation for food contact materials made from paper and board. Denmark is in this moment of time the only country in the EU which has banned all PFAS in food packaging.
The Netherlands banned the use of four PFAS substances in all food contact materials as of July 1, 2022, however “paper and board” is considered as the only potential FCM which might contain the four banned PFAS substances.
The Author
Caspar ter Horst – Managing Director, ProductIP
Casper has 25+ years of experience in product compliance. In 2008, he co-founded ProductIP together with Maarten van der Dussen. Caspar and his team are dedicated to support companies within the supply chain to efficiently demonstrate to customers, authorities, and users that their products meet applicable legislation and buying requirements. As a result, helping companies reduce costs, streamline operations, manage suppliers, and at the same time put compliant, safer, more sustainable products to the market.
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