Proposed legislative change on PFAS and amendment to plastics legislation
A proposal for a legislative change has been submitted to the EU to ban PFAS compounds. If approved, this will also affect the use of PFAS in packaging materials.
Tim De Boeck
What are the benefits of PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, abbreviated as PFAS, have numerous benefits:
- water, grease, dirt and dust repellent
- withstand heat well and are not easily affected by other chemical substances
- allow liquids to flow out well
PFAS are used, among other things, to manufacture pans with a non-stick coating or to make paper water- and grease-repellent, such as baking paper and pizza boxes.
Why would one want to ban PFAS compounds?
PFAS substances can be harmful to humans and the environment. Some substances are believed to damage the immune system and even cause cancer.
What about the use of PFAS in other countries?
In the Netherlands, a general ban on the use of PFAS in packaging and consumer goods has already been in force since 01/07/2022. A transitional period applies for products placed on the market before 1 January 2023 that comply with the Dutch packaging and consumer goods regulation as valid up to 30 June 2022. These products may be marketed until stocks are exhausted. A total ban currently only applies to paper and cardboard, such as straws and pizza boxes.
In Denmark, a ban has already been in force since July 2020. It is therefore possible that other countries will also introduce a ban even faster.
What changes have been made to the legislation on plastic food contact materials?
Regulation (EU) 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food has been amended twice over the past year. The approval of PEF as an alternative to PET is a particularly important change here.
The main changes briefly explained:
- The withdrawal of authorisation to use the substance "wood flour and fibres, untreated" in plastics. The reason for this is that, according to an opinion of the European Scientific Committee, wood cannot necessarily be regarded as inert, due to the presence of a large amount of low molecular weight substances. Moreover, the opinion does not indicate any circumstances under which the use of wood in plastics can be considered safe, due to the chemical differences in the composition of plant materials. The safety of migrants from these materials must therefore be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- In addition, a positive opinion was given on a number of new substances, subject to specific use and migration limits. The substance Polyethylene Furanoate, abbreviated as PEF, stands out in particular here. PEF is a 100% recyclable polymer made from renewable raw materials (sugars) derived from plants. It is recyclable and retains carbon dioxide better than conventional PET. This means a cola can be kept for longer in a PEF bottle.
The material offers an alternative for drinks and packaging for which PET is not suitable. One of the future applications is the paper beer bottle, fitted on the inside with a coating made from PEF, as an alternative to cans coated with PET. For information: drinking pouches made from PEF already exist.
How can AMNorman support you?
Do you still have questions after reading this blog about the announced legislative changes or the use of PFAS in general? Let's meet. Our Normanists are ready to help.
