News & Insights: Packaging

For years, the packaging used to hold our food—like wrappers, containers, and boxes —has been a hidden source of harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These toxic substances can interfere with our hormones and contribute to serious health problems, including cancer, infertility, and developmental issues. But that’s starting to change. Thanks to bold state leadership, corporate action, […]

Anticipated 2025 state actions will also focus on toxic chemicals in cosmetics and plastics At least 32 states will likely consider more than 340 policies addressing toxic chemicals and plastics, with policies that both prevent and manage harm to public health PORTLAND, OR⸺Today, Safer States released its 2025 Analysis of State Legislation Addressing Toxic Chemicals […]

Happy New Year! Starting January 1, 2025, several state policies targeting PFAS “forever chemicals” went into effect, marking a major milestone in protecting public health and helping transform the national marketplace. These policies will restrict PFAS and other chemicals of concern in everyday products, demonstrating how states are leading the way to reduce toxic exposure […]

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.