Alternatives to PFAS in food packaging: Identifying safer alternatives for Washington State

Eaton, Rae

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/109857 Copy

Description

Title

Alternatives to PFAS in food packaging: Identifying safer alternatives for Washington State

Author(s)

Eaton, Rae

Issue Date

2021-04-27

Keyword(s)

• per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• PFAS

Geographic Coverage

Washington State

Abstract

Presented by: Rae Eaton – Hazard and Alternatives Assessment Specialist at Washington State Department of Ecology, reat461@ecy.wa.gov Abstract: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are intentionally added to single-use paper food packaging to increase oil, grease, and moisture resistance. From there, PFAS can migrate into food or contaminate waste streams when the food packaging is disposed of. In 2018, the Washington State passed a law banning intentionally added PFAS in paper-based food packaging, provided safer food packaging alternatives could be identified. Our program developed methods based on the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse Alternatives Assessment Guide to evaluate alternatives against hazard, exposure, performance, and cost and availability criteria. For this first assessment, we identified ten food packaging types where PFAS is intentionally added, and four to eight PFAS-free alternative options for each food packaging type. Using publicly available data, alternatives to PFAS that met all hazard, exposure, performance, and cost and availability criteria were identified. Alternatives were also identified where the cost of the alternative exceeds our criteria, or availability is limited. For most other alternatives, there was insufficient information to fully evaluate the alternative. Future alternatives assessments will continue to seek alternatives that meet these criteria for additional food packaging types. Biography: Rae Eaton is the Chemical Hazard & Alternatives Assessment Specialist in the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction program at the Washington State Department of Ecology. Her work identifying and evaluating alternatives to chemicals of concern supports Washington’s progress towards improving the safety of consumer products. She currently coordinates the PFAS in food packaging alternatives assessment project, which evaluates potential alternatives to PFAS in specific types of food packaging. Rae holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Washington.

Series/Report Name or Number

2021 Emerging Contaminants in the Environment Conference (ECEC21)

Type of Resource

• text
• still image

Language

en

Permalink

• http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109857
• https://youtu.be/fCkisLifljY

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