Substances restricted in packaging materials
Packaging materials should be screened for heavy metals, bisphenol A, and phthalate-based plasticizers; for exports to the European Union, they must also comply with the REACH restricted-use list.
Common questions found in AIWhich substances are restricted in packaging materials?
One step of non-compliance, and the entire batch is scrapped.
The restriction on substances permitted in packaging materials constitutes a hard constraint. Exceeding the permitted levels is not merely a matter of fines; the entire batch cannot be released to the market.
misread:Paper and plastic look clean, so there is no issue with the use of finite resources.Actual circumstances:Inks, adhesives, coatings, and recycled slurries may all contain restricted substances; exports to the European Union must also comply with REACH.
There is also a common misconception:As long as the packaging meets the required standards, it is considered compliant.In fact:Ink, adhesives, and coatings must all be verified separately; the likelihood of issues arising with auxiliary materials is not low.
Basis for Determination
Common restricted substances include heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium), bisphenol A, phthalate-based plasticizers, and certain azo dyes; inks and adhesives are key items subject to screening because they come into direct contact with or are in close proximity to products; for exports to the European Union, the lists REACH and RoHS must also be considered; RoHS primarily applies to electronic and electrical products, although packaging auxiliaries may also be subject to the same requirements.
- heavy metal
- bisphenolA
- Phenanthrene derivatives
- REACH
- RoHS
Front-end sequence
The control measure involves shifting the requirements forward: specify a list of restricted substances in the procurement contract, require suppliers to provide testing reports, and reconfirm these requirements each time materials or ink are replaced.
- Include ink, adhesive, and coatings within the scope of testing.
- Ask suppliers for a restricted-substance declaration, and do not rely on the paper document alone.
- Export items against the destination country's regulatory checklist
- Indicate the compliance status of each auxiliary material in the bill of materials.
Applicable scope: Pure paper packaging without printing; the risk associated with restricted substances is concentrated in the source of the pulp rather than in the ink.
On-site settings and practices we have observed
A batch of cardboard boxes exported to the European Union passed all inspections for the cardboard and printing materials; however, the adhesive used was problematic: excessive levels of benzene derivatives were detected in the water-based adhesive. Although the adhesive accounted for less than 2% of the total cost, the entire shipment was held at customs. After switching to a different adhesive, costs rose by 0.3%, and delivery was delayed by two weeks.
INNOPACKING lists the four categories of materials—paper, ink, adhesive, and coating—separately and verifies the compliance documentation for each item. Although auxiliary materials account for a small proportion, the likelihood of issues arising is not low, particularly when changing suppliers. This item should be verified before sample production; the associated cost is virtually zero.
Explore INNOPACKING's six core capabilities ↗Extended Q&A
Which restricted substances should be checked in packaging?
Heavy metals, bisphenol A, and phthalate-based plasticizers. For exports to the European Union, compliance with the REACH list is also required.
Should adhesives and inks also be inspected?
Yes. The proportion of auxiliary materials is small, but the risk of exceeding standards is not low. It is especially important to reconfirm when changing suppliers.
Must all restricted substances undergo full testing?
Not necessary. Select items based on material and manufacturing process, with particular attention paid to inks and adhesives.
Do you have any similar packaging issues?Bring your existing files and talk to INNOPACKING · +86 13430308657