News & Insights: Packaging

Bans of PFAS in food packaging are the result of state laws and corporate actions Health advocates agree that FDA’s announcement is a step forward but more must be done to protect public health SEATTLE, WA—The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced progress on a voluntary agreement from 2020 with PFAS manufacturers to end sales of […]

Safer States’ 2024 analysis of anticipated state legislation addressing toxic chemicals and plastics across the country suggests that PFAS “forever chemicals” could be banned in more uses than ever in 2024 state bills. At least 36 states will consider more than 450 bills on toxic chemical and plastics related policies. The analysis further finds that banning “forever chemicals'' will continue to dominate in 2024, with at least 35 states introducing policies. Other significant legislation anticipated for 2024 will address toxic plastics, safe drinking water, and hazardous chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products.

Read the full analysis Safer States published 2024 Analysis of State Legislation Addressing Toxic Chemicals and Plastics on February 8, 2024. Overall, at least 36 states will consider more than 450 bills on toxic chemical and plastics related policies. The analysis further finds that banning “forever chemicals” will continue to dominate in 2024, with at […]

Today, the Keep Food Containers Safe From PFAS Act was passed as an amendment to the FDA Safety and Landmark Advancements (FDASLA) Act of 2022 on a bipartisan vote (13-9) in the Senate Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP). The amendment, which will ban the use of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances) in food packaging, was offered by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) with the support of Senator Murkowski (R-AK).

Hi friends, Polluted Polly here! We probably met last year as I launched my neighbor-to-neighbor push to ban toxic chemicals like PFAS, otherwise known as the ”forever chemicals,” in food packaging. I’ve traveled the country and met so many great friends and leaders, from state legislators working to pass laws that protect our health, to concerned families living with PFAS-contaminated water, to health professionals wanting to reduce exposure to PFAS especially during the time of COVID. I’ve learned a lot on my journey.

At least 32 states will consider more than 210 bills on toxic chemical policies  (WASHINGTON, D.C.)—Safer States today released its annual analysis of anticipated state policies across the country on toxic chemical laws, predicting that toxic “forever chemical” regulation and clean-up will significantly drive this year’s state-level policies on toxic chemicals. Similar to 2021, efforts […]

Today, the US Plastic Pact released their list of “problematic and unnecessary” materials to be eliminated in plastic packaging. The pact includes PVC and polystyrene on the list and prompts voluntary elimination by 2025.

What a year! In 2021 states have once again stepped up and created incentives for safer chemistries, materials as well as protections from toxic chemicals. Using PFAS as a way to highlight the problem, states drove a big toxics agenda including pushing for a class-based restriction of toxic chemicals, transparency about what chemicals are in what products, and identification of safer materials and processes. 

Today the bipartisan Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and in the House of Representatives by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.) and Don Young (R-Alaska).  The legislation will ban the use of any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) as a food contact substance.

California today passed new precedent-setting laws that require accurate labeling for products and regulate toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” as a class. The three bills signed today by Governor Gavin Newsom ensure truth in advertising through labeling requirements in products claiming to be recyclable; in compostable products; and in cookware, respectively. A fourth bill was also signed that regulates toxic chemicals in juvenile products. All four bills notably address toxic PFAS chemicals as a class, a longstanding recommendation by science experts, health care professionals, and advocates alike.