Seven US states have adopted legislation banning the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in fiber-based food packaging.

In addition ten additional states have also proposed legislation in Food Packaging, and the federal government has indicated that it will take further action in this area over the next three years, suggesting its importance, and probable regulatory expansion, in the near future.  

As the Biden administration’s new plan to regulate “forever chemicals” comes down harsh on restaurants, supermarket chains to stop using wraps, paperboards and fiber containers with added PFAs, this sends a message to food & food packaging companies to work closely with  suppliers and prepare for the compliance transition or face legal consequences.

PFAs are environmentally persistent, and toxic. And studies have shown that PFAs in paper wraps and boxes can migrate into food.

It has been estimated - from the North American context  that about 50% of takeaway packaging contains PFAs.  

While the rise in compostable materials are increasingly used to replace single-use packaging – many of them are designed to have coatings that repels moisture and grease.  Once put in to the composting facility, packaging that contains PFAs will contaminate the compost and also re-enter the food chain and  released into the wider environment.

What alternative chemicals are there to replace PFAs ? and are they safer than the PFAs they replace ?

What comparisons or third-party certifications are done on the safety of the chemicals used in food packaging ?

Need more updates on managing PFAs in your packaging ? Attend this virtual event and get your queries answered by the following panel of experts.

Speakers:

- Sue Chiang, Food Program Director, Center for Environmental Health

- Xin Tao, Senior Associate, Hogan Lovells US LLP

- Joan Sylvain Baughan, Partner, Global Food Contact Materials Practice Lead, Steptoe & Johnson LLP

- Shari Franjevic, Green Screen Program Manager, Clean Production Action

- Margaret Eldridge, Certification Manager, Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

- Henrik Kjellgren, Product Manager, Nordic Paper

- Mike Schade, Mind the Store Campaign Director, Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families


Register today with hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg