Starbucks To Eliminate PFAS In Food Packaging

Nikola Gemeš | 2022-04-11 | Category : Green Industry | 2 minutes read | 4141 Views

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Starbucks has promised to eliminate toxic PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from its food packaging materials.

The transition is part of the company’s new sustainable packaging policy and should be complete in the US by the end of 2022.

According to Environmental Leader, the announcement came after Toxic-Free Future’s (TFF) campaign to phase out PFAS from retail food packaging.

“A growing body of scientific research has found links between exposures to PFAS and a wide range of health problems including a weaker immune system, cancer, increased cholesterol levels, pregnancy-induced hypertension, liver damage, reduced fertility, and increased risk of thyroid disease.”

PFAS are known as “forever” chemicals as they don’t break down in the environment and can easily move from soil to drinking water.

Luckily, Starbuck is not alone in its efforts.

Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons announced a global ban on PFAS packaging.

Following TFF’s campaign, 22 retailers that sell food or food packaging decided to reduce or eliminate PFAS at more than 140,000 stores around the world.

After a successful ban in the US, we hope that Starbuck will do the right thing and extend the sustainable packaging policy to the global division, as well.

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Nikola Gemeš

Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.