Study shows PFAS is widely used across Europe. Photo courtesy of Getty Images/OlenaMykhaylova
The use of health-harming PFAS chemicals in disposable food packaging and tableware is a widespread practice across Europe, as revealed in a recent study undertaken by Czech NGO Arnika, in cooperation with the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL), CHEM Trust and six other nonprofit organizations in Europe. Out of 42 samples sent for analysis, 32 samples—including packaging from major global fast-food chains such as McDonald's, KFC, Subway and Dunkin' Donuts—showed an intentional treatment with PFAS. Findings in the study include:
• PFAS are widely used in disposable food packaging and tableware in Europe; 38 out of the 99 samples (38%) collected from takeaways, supermarkets and e-shops in 6 European countries (Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the U.K.) are suspected to have been treated with PFAS chemicals in order to achieve oil repellency.
• 32 out of 42 samples selected for chemical analysis (76%) show intentional treatment with PFAS.
• Traces of PFAS were detected in all samples selected for lab analysis including samples not intentionally treated with PFAS.
• 99% of the organic fluorine present in selected samples is not captured by the laboratory’s compound-specific analysis of 55 PFAS, meaning it is impossible to identify the present PFAS compounds with certainty.
PFAS still in use throughout Europe
NaturPak Pet is now packaging dog food in Tetra Pak cartons. Photo courtesy of Tetra Pak
NaturPak Pet is the first co-packer in the U.S. that is producing and packaging pet food in Tetra Recart® cartons, by Tetra Pak. Owned and operated by leading natural food manufacturer and co-packer IPM Foods, NaturPak Pet brings expertise in formulating high-quality, safe and nutritious natural foods to the pet space.
NaturPak Pet saw an opportunity to expand its offering and deliver its pet food products to pet food brand owners, says Pawel Marciniak, co-owner of the business. “It’s exciting to see the pet food industry embracing premium, natural products in convenient, sustainable packaging; and we’re in a unique position to deliver.”
Located in Janesville, Wis., NaturPak Pet works alongside pet food brands to design, manufacture and package premium-quality wet pet food products. With the alternative to traditional pet food packaging using convenient, plant-based and recyclable Tetra Pak® cartons, NaturPak Pet offers pet food brands the opportunity to stand out on shelf.
Pet food co-packer uses Tetra Pak cartons for packaging
EcoShink is a compostable alternative to standard industrial shrink wrap. Photo courtesy of EcoCortec
EcoCortec®, part of Cortec® Corporation, has debuted EcoShrink™ Compostable Film, a commercially compostable alternative to common plastic shrink wraps for use in industrial packaging applications.
EcoShrink takes both the beginning and the end of the shrink wrap product life cycle into account. The new film is sourced from certified commercially compostable resins and contains 45% biopolymers. After use, EcoShrink can be disposed of in a commercial composting environment. It is shelf and curb stable and will retain its integrity until disposed of properly. The film meets ASTM D6400 standard for commercial composting.
EcoShrink is designed for standard heat-shrinking applications. Users can shrink wrap small or large components as normal to conform to the shape of the object. The film is available in 2 or 4 mil (50 or 100 µm) thicknesses and as single wound or centerfold sheeting in widths of 18” (45.72 cm) or 36” (91.44 cm).
Compostable film created for shrink applications
