San Francisco is First to Set a Comprehensive Ban on Polystyrene
San Francisco recently became the first US city to set a comprehensive ban on the use of polystyrene foam in consumer products. The Californian city has also set mandatory standards for compostable and biodegradable plastics.
- (1888PressRelease) September 01, 2016 - On July 29, 2016, San Francisco's mayor approved amendments to the Environmental Code related to packaging waste reduction. By regulating the use of polystyrene (PS) foam - commonly, but incorrectly, referred to as 'styrofoam' - in a variety of products, the new law is designed to ensure that the city is waste-free by 2020.
Ordinance 140-16 affects a range of food-related products and articles for prepared foods. The important provisions include:
• Providing a new definition for 'Food Service Ware' - the containers, lids, straws, cutlery, napkins and similar items designed for one-time use for prepared foods sold by restaurants, cafes and other food service establishments.
• Prohibiting the use of PS foam in food service ware as well as egg cartons and fish and meat trays. Food service ware manufactured from other materials is allowed provided they are compostable or recyclable. The Director of the Department of the Environment is required to adopt and regularly update a list of suitable alternative compostable or recyclable food service ware products.
• Prohibiting the use of PS foam in other consumer products such as:
o coolers, ice chests or similar containers
o pool or beach toys and packing materials such as shipping boxes and packing "peanuts", unless these products are fully encapsulated or encased with a more durable material. The distribution of packing materials is allowed in a very limited number of applications, such as re-using packing materials for shipping, transport or storage within the same distribution system (section 1605 (d)).
The new law also mandates the use of the latest version of ASTM D6400 for compostable plastics, or the latest version of ASTM D6868 for biodegradable plastics. Qualified products are to be labeled in accordance with California Public Resources Code Section 42357 et seq. and Department of the Environment Regulations.
There are two effective dates:
• January 1, 2017 for ordinance (except meat and fish trays)
• July 1, 2017 for applications to meat and fish trays
SGS Consumer Products Services
SGS offers the full-range of inspection, testing, certification, verification and training services. Through its global network of laboratories, SGS can provide services that include analytical testing and consultancy for compostable and biodegradable plastics for the US and international markets. Learn more about SGS's Consumer Products Services (www.sgs.com/cgnr)
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full San Francisco Bans Polystyrene Foam-Containing Products and Defines Standards for "Green" Plastics SafeGuardS. (www.sgs.com/en/news/2016/08/safeguards-13916-san-francisco-bans-polystyrene-foam-containing-products-and-defines-standards)
Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Hingwo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: (+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr
About SGS
SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.
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