Latest news with #foodpackaging
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Scientists Find A Market Ready Replacement For PFAS
A new substitute for forever chemicals is non-toxic material is water- and oil-resistant, ... More sustainable and affordable. It's one of those quiet realities of modern life: we unwrap our sandwich or sip from a paper cup, unaware that the packaging protecting our food might be leaching harmful chemicals. For decades, food packaging has relied on PFAS — a family of so-called 'forever chemicals' — to keep oil and water from soaking through paper products. But as we now know, PFAS don't stay neatly in the packaging. They linger in our environment, our water, and even our bloodstreams, with growing links to serious health risks. On Tuesday, scientists at Northwestern University announced what they hope will be a safe replacement for forever chemicals. They've developed a new material derived from graphene oxide, which they believe may offer the first truly safe, sustainable, and effective alternative to PFAS in food packaging. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used to repel oil and water. First used in the 1930s and 40s with the invention of teflon, they are now everywhere: in fast food wrappers, takeout boxes, candy wrappers, sandwhich bags and even compostable-looking plates. Quite simply, PFAS are highly effective and to date industry has not been able to find a substitute. These forever chemicals can and do migrate into our food, even when kept at cold temperatures. And they don't break down in the environment or the human body. In fact, they may accumulate in vulnerable tissues like the brain, where scientists have found PFAS have neurotoxic effects. (Brown-Leung 2022) They've been linked to hormone disruption, immune system effects, and even certain cancers. According to a 2022 report from the National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine, biomonitoring surveys have found that over 98% of Americans have detectable amounts of forever chemicals in their blood and tissues. Meanwhile, parents and pediatricians like myself, find forever chemicals a constant source of worry. How are we supposed to protect our children when they are closer to the floor, being exposed to PFAS loaded stain resistant carpets and house dust? Children are at greater risk to negative effects from forever chemicals because they are smaller, spend more time close to the floor and have differences in food and water intake from adults. Most importantly, they are growing and developing, which means they are being exposed at a vulnerable time and have a lot more years to develop problems. The NASEM report found an association between chronic PFAS exposure in children and multiple health concerns. These included slightly lowered weight at birth, elevated blood cholesterol levels, and reduced antibody response to certain vaccines/infections. In another study, maternal exposure to forever chemicals was associated with child neurodevelopmental difficulties. (England-Mason 2024) PFAS exposures in early life can act as endocrine-disruptors, effecting thyroid, steroid hormones and even testerone and estrogen levels. (Ames 2025) That's where graphene oxide comes in. In a collaboration led by Timothy Wei, adjunct professor of mechanical engineering, and SonBinh Nguyen, professor of chemistry, the Northwestern team created a coating made from oxidized carbon sheets just one atom thick. The result? A material that the study authors consider: Better still, it doesn't just work in the lab. Their startup, GO-Eco, has moved the material through third-party testing at Western Michigan University, and is now preparing for full-scale production with a national tableware manufacturer. It's not just innovation — it's a market-ready solution. One of the problems with adding new chemicals to food packaging is that we don't know what we don't know. While the researchers behind this breakthrough may consider their product non toxic, its worth noting that the people who discovered the forever chemicals thought the same thing. Indeed, graphene oxide is already used in biomedicine and cosmetics, yet it is known to have a potential toxic effect on living cells and organs. Graphene oxide can be toxic, or minimally toxic, or potentially non toxic depending on what chemical form it is in and what dose the body is exposed to. (Rhazouani 2021) It's clear we need more testing, especially in children, of this exciting new material. As a mother and a pediatrician, I really hope this new material is the breakthrough we've been waiting for. And I am struck by the way it reflects a quiet revolution in how we think about safety. Because this isn't just about takeout containers and plastic forks. It's about reimagining how we live — and refusing to accept that the price of convenience should be hidden toxins and long-term risk. GO-Eco's material may never make headlines the way PFAS bans have. But if they succeed, it could mean a world where parents don't need to wonder what's in the sippy cup their toddler is chewing. A world where sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing quality. A world where science earns trust by solving the problems it once helped create. As the graphene oxide project moves forward — seeking FDA approval and expanding production — I'm reminded of what progress really looks like. Not a single heroic cure, but a steady, evidence-based shift toward something safer, smarter, and more human. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs start with something as small as taking PFAS our of a child's candy wrapper.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts sound alarm over cancer-causing chemicals hidden in food packaging - even 'eco-friendly' containers are a risk
Scientists sa food packaging could be increasing our exposure to chemicals linked to cancer—and 'eco-friendly' options are no safer. For years experts have warned that substances used to create modern plastics can leech into our food and potentially trigger to a host of health problems. These include cancer, infertility, birth defects, developmental delays in children as well as increased risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Now in a review on the topic, scientists from the Food Packaging Forum Foundation in Switzerland warned a drive to make plastic packaging more environmentally friendly could exacerbate the problem. They wrote: 'The push to use more recycled content for plastics and paper means that more hazardous chemicals will migrate into foodstuffs.' The team cited studies that suggested the ongoing recycling of plastics, which causes the material to be highly concentrated, can lead to an accumulation of harmful chemicals in food packaging. This can leech into foodstuffs through simple storage or via heating like in ready meals. They also highlighted the additional risk of black plastic products like kitchen utensils as these may contain dangerous compounds from 'illicitly recycled plastic waste'. This warning comes on the back of a study last year, which found 85 percent of spatulas, takeaway tubs and other kitchen utensils made from recycled black plastic contained fireproof substances linked to numerous health problems. Other substances of concern that the team noted included perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as 'forever chemicals'. There is no level of safe exposure to the chemicals and PFAS have been linked to multiple cancers, asthma, fertility problems, obesity, birth defects, diabetes and autism. BPA-bisphenol A-and phthalates, both of which are substances used in modern plastic manufacturing were other examples highlighted in the report. The authors also said chemicals seeping into food was a particular concern when it comes to ultra-processed foods (UPFs). UPF is an umbrella term used to cover anything edible made with colourings, sweeteners and preservatives that extend shelf life. Ready meals, ice cream and tomato ketchup are some of the best-loved examples of these products, which often also come in plastic packaging. Chemicals found in modern food packaging have been linked to a host of health problems including cancer, infertility, birth defects, developmental delays as well as increased risk of kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. 'UPFs are generally prepackaged and kept for several weeks, months or even years in their packaging,' the authors wrote. 'Many are even directly heated in their packaging (for example, ready-to-eat dishes in plastic trays reheated in the microwave), enhancing the migration of FCCs ( chemicals) into food.' They added that the processing that occurs to create these foods in massive industrial cooking processes could also be exposing them to plastic materials. Lead author of the report, Jane Muncke added that while research on the harms posed by UPFs was still ongoing, data was strong enough that governments should act to limit their consumption. 'The evidence is becoming more and more clear that today's packaged ultra-processed foods are convenient and hyperpalatable, but they contain many synthetic chemicals and microplastics from various sources,' she said. 'We see that the health impacts of this type of food contamination are currently under-appreciated and under-studied.' Britain is the worst nation in Europe when it comes to UPF consumption, with the food group making an estimated 57 per cent of the national diet. The figure is estimated to be even higher in the US. Concluding their report, published in Nature Medicine, the team recommended developing food packaging materials that do not pose the same risk to customers. 'Human exposure to chemicals can be reduced by a systematic shift away from materials that are known to release the most synthetic chemicals and microplastics into foodstuffs. 'These include paper and board, plastics and coated metals.'
CNET
11-05-2025
- General
- CNET
These 7 Takeout Containers Don't Belong in the Recycling Bin
Recycling can be simple, but it's also very easy to make mistakes while you're at it. One common mistake that people make when recycling is tossing takeout containers into the recycling bin. While this might seem like the right thing to do, it's often not where these containers belong. One important thing to remember about food packaging is that a lot of it is actually designed to be disposable instead of recyclable. This means that putting these containers in the recycling bin will do more harm than good. It's not just that you're putting the wrong materials into the recycling bin, either. The residue left by that greasy pad thai box or half-empty soup container can ruin entire batches of recyclables. It easy to overlook that fact, but even something simple like a pizza box can cause issues if it's soaked with oil. In a recent Reddit thread, users showed concern about putting these containers in the recycling bin and whether you should be rinsing food packaging. Many folks were concerned about whether to rinse containers before recycling or trashing them and how food residue left in these containers could affect the odor of your recycling and how effective your recycling is. If you're confused about the which takeout containers you actually can recycle, we're here to help. Recycling isn't just about tossing your junk in a different colored bin and calling it a day. You need to be sure that those efforts count and lead to a better environment. That means knowing which takeout items to keep out of the blue bin. Here's what to skip if you want your recycling routine to actually make an impact. Read more: Microwave-Free Zone: Expert Cooking Hacks for Leftovers If you're wondering whether black containers, aluminum rounds, paper clamshells and Chinese food boxes are recyclable, you're not alone. To get the hard truth on takeout container recycling rules and limitations, I spoke with Jeremy Walters. A passionate environmentalist, Walters is the sustainability ambassador for the second-largest recycling collector in the US, Republic Services. He shared some important tips to remember and common mistakes to avoid when recycling takeout boxes and containers at home. Here's what you need to know to get the most mileage out of your blue bin. How to properly recycle takeout containers Styrofoam containers are a scorch on the environment. If you feel comfortable asking your local takeout spot to stop using them, you probably should. Getty Images 1. Do some recycling research: The most important thing you can do to streamline the process is to find out which containers can and can't be recycled in your specific area. This will likely vary depending on where you live, so you'll need to check with your local sanitation department, often via its website. 2. Don't assume it can be recycled: Just because a takeout container has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it can be recycled where you live. Some cheaper producers of takeout containers will label something recyclable even if it's not. 3. Give 'em a good rinse: When recycling any takeout containers, make sure they're as clean as possible. Residual food waste, especially grease, can cause a material to become unrecyclable. What follows are general rules and guidelines on which takeout containers can and can't be recycled and how best to recycle them. Read more: Some Blue Apron Meal Kits Are Cheaper Than Buying the Groceries Most black plastic containers are nonrecyclable. Getty Images These takeout containers can't be recycled Polystyrene foam containers: These foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam," are widely used for takeout and delivery, so it's likely you've seen them. Unfortunately, they aren't recyclable and must be thrown out. Black plastic containers: These are another popular choice for restaurants, and while they are often made from recycled materials -- making them at least somewhat eco-friendly -- they can't be recycled and must be tossed. According to Walters, recycling plant sorting technology just hasn't caught up to these materials yet. Chinese containers and clamshells: This is another type of container that in theory could be recycled, but because oil often seeps into the cardboard, you're better off throwing them away. Also, many are coated with a sealant that makes them leak-proof and difficult to recycle. Oil-stained pizza boxes: In theory, corrugated cardboard can be recycled, but not when it's soaked in oil or caked with cheese. Happy medium: Take the top portion of the box if it's free from oil and recycle that with your cardboard. The bottom half will likely need to be trashed. Plastic bags: Your food is often delivered in plastic bags, but they aren't recyclable and can cause serious harm to your local recycling facilities. To dispose of plastic bags, return them to the store where you got them or reuse them. Better yet, don't use them at all and request a paper bag instead. Plastic utensils: Not everything made from plastic is recyclable, and recycling plastic utensils is usually dependent on your local facility, so check with your service provider. Even better, when you place your order let the restaurant know you don't need any plastic silverware. Soiled paper plates and napkins: These are not recyclable when soiled with food and liquid, so look for reusable, biodegradable or true disposable products instead. Chinese takeout containers mostly can't be recycled. ATU Images/Getty Some cities -- Austin, Texas for example -- have curbside composting for food-coated paper products. A program like this may not be available in your community, but it doesn't hurt to check. And Block Bins, a shared-bin composting startup that launched in Chicago, provides a similar service even if your town or city doesn't. Takeout containers that can be recycled Aluminum containers are recyclable and easy to get clean. Getty Images Plastic clamshell containers: Clear plastic takeout containers with a recycling symbol can be recycled. If it's a plastic container labeled No. 1 or No. 2, you can recycle it and should whenever possible. Aluminum containers: You know the ones you can never close as tightly as the restaurant did the first time no matter how much you pinch? Yeah, those are recyclable as long as they're clean. Paper or cardboard containers: These are often made from recycled materials and can be recycled themselves. Some are even biodegradable and compostable as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and haven't soaked up much grease. Even ones that aren't recyclable are far less toxic than plastic or Styrofoam when being processed, burned or buried. Paper bags: Many restaurants send their orders in large paper bags and those absolutely can and should be recycled or reused. Plastic bags, on the other hand, can't be. Clean paper products: Any paper plates, napkins or cardboard pizza boxes that are not heavily soiled with grease can generally be recycled. What else can you do to help? Your favorite local food joint may not even know about some of the more eco-friendly container options. Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty If you feel comfortable gently letting your local restaurant know you'd appreciate them using one of the many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic and polystyrene, you should. You could also send a polite, anonymous email saying how much you love the food and service, but that you have one small request on behalf of the Earth. For more green stuff, check out our list of the most environmentally friendly meal kits and find out how to properly recycle metal pizza boxes can be only the parts without grease.
