Celebration Packaging is delighted to confirm the TÜV Home Compostable and SGS PFAS-free certifications for their range of white bagasse takeaway clamshells, dinnerware, and chip trays, making them the ideal sustainable solution for food and drink packaging.
The harmful synthetic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are commonly found in various everyday products such as fast food packaging, cookware, and firefighting foams. These “forever chemicals” do not naturally degrade, and their release into the environment can contaminate groundwater, posing potential risks to human health, including concerns about cancer and infertility*.
Recognizing the need for non-PFAS packaging alternatives, Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton states, “We have been actively searching for viable PFAS-free packaging solutions since early 2022. We are thrilled to announce that all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware, and chip trays are now TÜV certified as home compostable and PFAS-free. To ensure the absence of these harmful chemicals, we conducted tests with SGS, a trusted international inspection and certification company. The SGS test report confirmed no detection of PFAS or similar chemicals such as PFCA’s/PFOS’s/PFOA’s/PFHxS’s.”
Nick Burton adds, “We believe our PFAS-free white bagasse products are the perfect alternative to expanded polystyrene foodservice packaging, especially with the implementation of SUP legislation. These products have the same performance as traditional expanded polystyrene plates, trays, and clamshells, but are made from natural and renewable bagasse fibers obtained from agricultural waste. Additionally, the manufacturing process of bagasse fiber packaging has a lower carbon footprint compared to oil-based alternatives*.”
Understanding the PFAS Problem
PFAS are synthetic chemical substances that do not occur naturally and can persist in the environment for extended periods, potentially contaminating groundwater over time.
Concerns about PFAS have been widespread, leading to bans in six US states at the beginning of 2023. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is also conducting a six-month consultation on the proposed restriction of PFAS, signaling the growing awareness of the issue globally.
Delivering PFAS-Free Bagasse Packaging Solutions
Celebration Packaging has been committed to finding sustainable packaging solutions since the introduction of the EnviroWare® brand over 16 years ago.
As of 2023, all our white bagasse clamshells, dinnerware, and chip trays are made using a food-safe, grease, and water-resistant alternative to PFAS, allowing us to achieve TÜV Home Compostable certification. Successful in-market trials have confirmed that the new PFAS-free white bagasse products perform equally well as their predecessors, with no noticeable difference in quality or functionality, including microwave reheating convenience.
Nick Burton concludes, “Foodservice operators should prioritize PFAS-free packaging. As a consultative business, we encourage them to contact us for guidance on their packaging’s environmental impact. With our extensive experience in providing sustainable solutions, we can help customers transition away from single-use plastics and reduce their carbon footprint.”