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Several states in the U.S. follow rigorous packaging standards for both consumer and product safety. The parts used to create things like bottles, boxes and bags are monitored at the state level to regulate materials and design that might be of risk. In New York, a statewide regulation is in place, known as the Hazardous Packaging Law. Let’s find out more about this and dive into what this law covers with regard to product packaging.
In 1990, New York passed the Hazardous Packaging Law (HPL) according to Article 37 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law. This set of regulations is based off of a framework by the Coalition of Northeast Governors (CONEG) and involves the restriction of use of specific heavy metals in both product packaging manufacturing and distribution. In particular, the HPL limits the use of 4 metals:
Acceptable use of these metals has changed since the 1990s. The law allowed for 600 parts per million (or 0.06%) in each package as early as 1992, however that amount has steadily decreased to the current level of 100 parts per million (0.01%) as declared in 1994.The main purpose this law is in effect is safety. There are so many bad things that we throw away every day, and unfortunately, many of us do not recycle. Thrown away packaging items make up over 1/3 of the waste stream! In enforcing the HPL, the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (the regulating body of all 19 states with toxic packaging laws) is doing its part in reducing the toxicity of New York’s waste stream. In the event that a package containing the above metals is thrown away into a landfill or is incinerated causing gas emissions, it will have a lesser effect on the environment and the population.
The Hazardous Packaging Law is nothing to mess with, and various penalties are in place for those who dare to violate it. Hefty fines should be expected by any manufacturer or distributor violate the HPL and are as follows:
The bottom line is this: regulations regarding heavy metal usage in packaging products exist for a reason. Consumer and environmental safety are paramount. It is, of course, necessary to keep exceptions in mind, but the Hazardous Packaging Law should be followed at all costs. These rules are in effect to protect all New Yorkers.