In February 2021, TPCH announced the update of the organization's 2021 model regulations on toxic substances in packaging.

  The update includes the addition of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and phthalates as categories of controlled chemical substances, as well as new procedures and standards for identifying and controlling other chemical substances of high concern in packaging .

The revised model regulations have the following requirements for controlled chemical substances:

  1. The total concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury or hexavalent chromium in packaging and its components should be less than 100 ppm (0.01%)

  2. The content of phthalates in the packaging and its parts should be less than 100 ppm (0.01%).

  3. The packaging and its parts must not contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

  The following exemptions have also been cancelled:

   1. Packaging production date

   2. Test standards for vitrified labels

   3. Reusable packaging in a closed-loop system recovered at the end of its service life

   4. Due to recycled materials, some states adopt higher metal content

   State administrative agencies will regularly publish and review lists of packaging chemicals of high concern.

   The previous (before 2021) model regulations and laws have been adopted by 19 states. It is up to each state to decide to amend its current laws or adopt new laws to address toxic substances in packaging.

  Note:

   1. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS refers to all fluorinated organic chemical substances that contain at least one perfluorocarbon atom (-CF2-).

   2. Phthalates refer to all phthalate organic chemical substances.