U.S. EPA takes action on PFAS in plastic containers

U.S. EPA takes action on PFAS in plastic containers

Business

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a petition from several environmental organisations to address the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in plastic containers.

These groups include the Center for Environmental Health, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Clean Cape Fear, Clean Water Action, Delaware Riverkeeper, and Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water.

The petition targets specific PFAS, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), which are formed during the fluorination of plastic containers. These harmful substances have been detected in containers used for household consumer goods, pesticides, fuels, automotive products, and other industrial items.

Long-chain PFAS like PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA accumulate in the human body and the environment over time. Even small amounts can pose significant health risks, including cancer, liver and heart damage, and developmental harm to infants and children. To mitigate these risks, the EPA has included PFOA and PFNA in a national drinking water standard for PFAS and designated PFOA as one of the first PFAS to be classified as hazardous under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund.

Environmental Protection Agency flag © EPA Clean Air Markets / public domain

In February 2024, the EPA introduced a new method to detect 32 PFAS directly from the walls of containers made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This method enables industries and container manufacturers to test HDPE containers before use, preventing PFAS contamination of stored products. The method can also be adapted for testing PFAS in other solid materials, such as fabrics and packaging paper.

Latest Packaging News

Refill Return Cup initiative off to a strong start in Cardiff
Business

Refill Return Cup initiative off to a strong start in Cardiff

Cardiff’s Refill Return Cup initiative has seen strong engagement in its first month, with more...
Spectra supports Grangers Sustainable Journey
Supplier News

Spectra supports Grangers Sustainable Journey

At Spectra Packaging, we are proud to have played our part in Grangers’ journey toward...
Spectra teams up with Clevelli Bay to create an eco-friendly spray solution
Supplier News

Spectra teams up with Clevelli Bay to create an eco-friendly spray solution

Spectra recently worked with Clevelli Bay to develop a sustainable packaging solution for their new...
New initiative takes aim at reducing airline waste in Mumbai
Sustainability

New initiative takes aim at reducing airline waste in Mumbai

WasteAid, an environmental and development charity based in the UK, has announced a new partnership...
Study reveals 51% of UK supermarket food is packaged in 'unnecessary plastic'
Sustainability

Study reveals 51% of UK supermarket food is packaged in 'unnecessary plastic'

A recent study by Retail Economics, commissioned by DS Smith and conducted by the Material Change...