The use of phthalates in plastic packaging faces heightened scrutiny

Environmental organisations are increasingly emphasising the numerous health risks associated with phthalates, escalating consumer awareness and concern over the use of plastic packaging in processed food and beverage products, which in turn, highlights the importance of and the need for alternative packaging solutions.

Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable and are primarily found in cosmetics and other products. Phthalates are used in some food and beverage packaging, but their use is being reduced. A 14 January 2025 FoodEngineering.com article reported that recent studies have found phthalates in many types of food — from fast food to fresh fruits and vegetables. According to the US Environmental Defense Fund, the chemicals find their way into food mainly through packaging and food handling equipment – such as gloves, cellophane, paper, paperboard, and plastic – in contact with food.

The use of phthalates in plastic packaging is facing increased scrutiny due to a growing body of research that underscores significant health risks linked to these chemicals, according to GlobalData, a data and analytics company. One notable health risk associated with plastics is their propensity to absorb flavours, colours, and odours, which consequently raises concerns about the potential leaching of harmful chemicals into food and beverage products packaged with this material. This concern has led to legal action by environmental organisations such as Earthjustice and the Environmental Defense Fund against the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA over its alleged refusal to address regulation concerning the issue.

Chris Rowland, packaging consultant and analyst at GlobalData, said, “The European Union has implemented a ban or imposed restrictions on certain phthalate compounds that come into contact with food, a regulatory move adopted by other nations such as the United Kingdom and Canada. To future-proof their packaging capabilities, FMCG companies could explore innovative alternatives, including paper or plant-based materials, regardless of lagging regulation in the US. While initially this shift may entail higher costs, the growing consumer awareness of health risks associated with plastic packaging, coupled with a rising preference for sustainable packaging solutions and the tightening of global regulations on plastic packaging use, suggests that a failure to adapt could lead to a long-term competitive disadvantage.”

A Q4 2024 consumer survey by GlobalData found that nearly half of global consumers (47%) are “extremely” or “quite” concerned about their physical fitness and health. “Consumers who are concerned about their physical fitness and dietary intake of processed foods tend to be more open to alternatives to plastic packaging. Consequently, an opportunity may arise for consumer packaged goods manufacturers to respond to these concerns, by providing packaging free from phthalates, prominently displaying this feature on the packaging, and working with their packaging suppliers to pioneer innovations in paper and biodegradable packaging for processed foods,” said Rowland.

Many ready-to-drink beverages, including coffee and tea, are packaged in PET bottles, but generally speaking, PET has not been thought to be a source for phthalates. However, PVC and polystyrene plastics have been considered major sources of phthalates exposure.

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) intrinsically contains no phthalates – despite its chemical name – it apparently has been and still is a great packaging choice under normal environmental conditions. The aforementioned FoodEngineering.com article referenced a recent study showed that even PET can be a source of phthalates under the right conditions. The 2022 study published in Molecules, found the potential for PET packaging, when exposed to changes in environmental conditions such as pH, temperature and irradiation can improve contaminant migration from PET food packaging to food and beverages. In particular, the study looked at the in-vitro effects of p-phthalates terephthalic acid (TPA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) on human cells that are responsible for controlling weight gain, which has been a reported issue for phthalate exposure.

Per FoodEngineering.com, the 2022 research found that PET bottles of mineral water from different manufacturers contained very low concentration of phthalates initially, but after storage of PET bottles for 10 weeks at up to 30°C (about 86°F), phthalate concentrations in the water had increased. The study concludes that data is lacking in the adipogenic (health) effects of p-phthalates, especially at environmentally relevant extremely low concentrations. Thus, there is a high level of uncertainty regarding their suitability as safe compounds.

Numerous packaging formats are now being presented as safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to phthalate-containing plastic packaging. For example, mushroom packaging employs mycelium – the root structure of mushrooms – to bind agricultural waste into biodegradable packaging materials. This method is not only more sustainable but also provides natural insulation and protection for fragile goods. Seaweed is another material gaining popularity in the packaging industry because of its biodegradable properties and its ability to decompose without leaving harmful residues.

The FMCG sector is a leading contributor to countries’ economies but is also one of the biggest creators of plastic waste, particularly in packaging. Many companies in the FMCG sector have embraced sustainable packaging, and global brands have committed to pledges on targets to reduce conventional packaging and introduce more sustainable materials.

Rowland noted that the health and environmental concerns associated with plastic packaging are significant and complex. “Addressing these issues necessitates a collaborative effort from consumers, businesses, and regulators to adopt sustainable practices and alternative materials. By adopting paper-based packaging and other alternative materials, brands can align with consumer preferences, comply with regulations, and demonstrate their commitment to health, well-being, and sustainability.”

Vanessa L Facenda, editor, Tea & Coffee Trade Journal
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