Projects & Publications
XRF Screening of Packaging Components: Inks & Colorants (December 2012)
This project screened over 130 single-use shopping and mail order bags for the presence of lead and cadmium in inks and colorants. While only three packaging samples failed the XRF screening, the concentration of lead in these shopping bags was significant at approximately 10,000 ppm or 1 percent by weight. The failing samples were all vibrant, solid-colored plastic bags, two yellow and one red. Overall, the TPCH member states were pleased with the high level of compliance with state toxics in packaging laws.
An Assessment of Heavy Metals in Packaging: A Focus on Flexible PVC from Discount Retail Chain Stores
This report documents the continued investigation by the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse of heavy metals in packaging, using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The goals of this project were to assess compliance with state toxics in packaging laws by “dollar” and discount retail chain stores; and to identify non-compliant packaging for coordinated action by member states. This project targeted imported flexible polyvinylchloride (PVC) packaging, since two previous TPCH studies showed a propensity for these inexpensive, imported materials to contain restricted metals.
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News release
Laboratory Round Robin Test Project: Assessing Performance in Measuring Toxics in Packaging
This report summarizes the performance of laboratories in determining compliance with the 100 ppm limit of toxics in packaging requirements. Based on the findings, the report presents recommendations for regulated entities (such as packaging suppliers, manufacturers and distributors of packaged products) and test laboratories to ensure that testing measured total concentration of restricted metals in the sample.
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News release
Guidance on Laboratory Analysis
WA & IA Reusable Bag Testing
TPCH member states Washington and Iowa tested 31 reusable bags and found most complied with state toxics in packaging laws.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Packaging: 2009 Update
This report documents the continued investigation by TPCH of heavy metals in packaging, using XRF analysis. TPCH screened 409 packages to detect trends in compliance with state toxics in packaging laws, and to notify brand owners of potentially non-compliant packages. This project was funded in part by the U.S. EPA New England.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Packaging
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse screened 355 packages for the presence of four restricted metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium) between October 2005 and February 2006 using a portable x-ray fluorescence analyzer. The results of this EPA-funded project were released in June 2007.
Model Legislation Evaluation Reports
The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse and member states periodically review the effectiveness of the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation and state laws based on the Model. The first such review, Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation: An Evaluation of its Provisions, Administration, and Impact, was published in 1994, and the second review was published in 1998.
Summary of 1998 Evaluation Report
Download 1998 Evaluation Report
Download 1994 Evaluation Report