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

Where excellence meets intelligence - ProPak China celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025
Events

Where excellence meets intelligence - ProPak China celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025

Organized by Sinoexpo Informa Markets, ProPak China 2025, the premier trade fair for the processing...
Michelob Ultra unveils FIFA Club World Cup 2025 limited-edition packaging
Events

Michelob Ultra unveils FIFA Club World Cup 2025 limited-edition packaging

Michelob Ultra has announced the launch of limited-edition packaging to celebrate its role as the...
Jenton Group: How heat sealers work (with insights into Soken Engineering’s machines)
Supplier News

Jenton Group: How heat sealers work (with insights into Soken Engineering’s machines)

A recent blog post from Soken Engineering, part of the Jenton Group, explains how heat sealers work...
Why routine testing of metal detectors is essential for food safety
Technology

Why routine testing of metal detectors is essential for food safety

By Rob Stevens, Market Manager, Mettler-Toledo Safeline Metal Detection Metal detection is a...
UK town council introduces blister pack recycling initiative
Sustainability

UK town council introduces blister pack recycling initiative

Residents in Nailsea now have access to a new recycling option for empty medicine blister packs,...