Novolex’s Eco-Products first in foodservice to gain GreenScreen Certification for PFAS-free plant-based packaging
04 Nov 2021 --- Eco-Products, a Novolex brand, has earned the silver GreenScreen certification for its Vanguard line of sugarcane-based compostable plates and containers.
A GreenScreen Silver award requires the packaging’s chemical ingredients to be free from the 2,000 known “high concern” chemicals listed on international chemical hazard listings.
Crucially, all GreenScreen certified products are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free, also known as “forever chemicals,” a family of over 4,000 highly fluorinated substances that are extremely mobile in the environment and potentially harmful to human health.
“Finding an alternative formula to replace PFAS was our top priority. We are incredibly proud to be the first manufacturer to offer an innovative foodservice product with preferable chemistry,” says Ian Jacobson, president of Eco-Products.
All Vanguard products are plant-based, Biodegradable Products Institute-certified as compostable, microwave-friendly, cut-resistant and effective in both hot and cold applications. The initial line includes a variety of plates, bowls and clamshells, with more products to be added soon.
The problem with “forever chemicals”
Next to bisphenol and phthalates, research is showing how PFAS are widespread in consumer-facing packaging and potentially damaging to human health.
GreenScreen Certificates are valid for a maximum of five years and require an annual renewal.Last year, a report warned nearly half of all take-out food packaging tested across major US food chains – including Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s – contain potentially toxic chemicals.
Meanwhile, consumer organizations in Italy, Denmark, Spain and France also found toxic chemicals in single-use tableware made of popular non-plastic alternatives, such as disposable plant fiber bowls, paper straws or palm leaf plates.
Taking action on PFAS
Increased research in this field has motivated NGOs to urge governmental and industry action. A paper published by the American Chemical Society called for “meaningful action” to attenuate the “systematic failures” of US chemical regulation in July.
A month later, the US Food and Drug Administration came under fire from environmental activists for merely admonishing industry against unauthorized substance use.
Anti-PFAS lobbying has made progress. Denmark led the move to ban PFAS in food packaging in 2020, with more recent action from California to come into force in 2023.
Packaging manufacturers, such as World Centric, Twin Rivers, Mantrose-Haeuser and Delivery Hero, have taken these regulations into consideration when launching their respective foodservice packaging.
PackagingInsights explored Delivery Hero’s elimination of PFAS in its packaging in a video interview from August.
Novolex expansion
In August, Novolex acquired Vegware, a compostable foodservice packaging provider headquartered in Edinburgh, UK.
The partnership gives Vegware additional access to the North American market and broadens the presence of Eco-Products in Europe.
“Early planned launches include the introduction of our Vanguard molded fiber grease resistance solution as well as the Cutlerease compostable cutlery dispensing systems to the Vegware product portfolio,” Jacobson told PackagingInsights at the time.
By Anni Schleicher
