Packaging Compliance Regulation
Western Pulp's Compliance Certificate (pdf)
Western supports the proper recycling, recovery, and handling of waste associated with packaging. Western designs its molded fiber packaging components to reduce environmental impact. This includes compliance with:
CONEG CERTIFICATION/MODEL TOXICS IN PACKAGING COMPLIANCE The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) was formed in 1992 to promote the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation. This model legislation was originally drafted by the Source Reduction Council of CONEG in 1989. It was developed in an effort to reduce the amount of heavy metals in packaging and packaging components that are sold or distributed throughout the United States. Specifically, the law is designed to phase out the use and presence of mercury, lead, cadmium and hexavalent chromium in packaging within four years in states that enact the legislation. Since packaging comprises approximately one-third of the waste stream, it is hoped that this legislation will curb the amount of heavy metals entering the municipal solid waste stream and, ultimately, landfills and incinerators. A reduced contribution of these metals to the waste stream will gradually lower their harmful presence in the environment.
CALIFORNIA TOXICS IN PACKAGING PREVENTION ACT (AB 455, AB 2021, SB 774) Beginning on January 1, 2006, it became illegal to produce, sell, or promote packaging or packaging components that contain cadmium, lead, mercury, or hexavalent chromium, if the metals have been intentionally introduced during manufacture or distribution. However, this law allows selling or promoting packaging containing those metals if their combined presence is incidental and not more than 100 parts per million (ppm) by weight, or the packaging otherwise qualifies for one or more specified exemptions.
EUROPEAN UNION’S DIRECTIVE ON PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE (94/62/EC OF 20 DECEMBER 1994, AS AMENDED BY 2004/12/EC) AND THE CEN PACKAGING STANDARDS (2005/C 44/13) pertaining to heavy metals content requirements. — Commonly known as the Essential Requirements, the European Union passed a Directive that guides the design of packaging to minimize Environmental damage. The directive is about Minimizing the Amount of packaging used, avoiding use of Hazardous Materials in packaging, and making packaging Reusable, Biodegradable, or Recyclable where possible.
Through policies, and in close relationship with suppliers, we use a system of specifications, testing, and verification to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including requirements restricting the use of certain hazardous substances.
Certificates of Compliance
Manufacturers and suppliers of packaging and packaging components are required to furnish a certificate of compliance to customers upon request. This applies only to companies who actually put their products in the package and does not apply to the retailer or the individual consumer. The public and state also have access to these certificates. Click here to download Western’s Certificates of Compliance.
For further advice specific to our products and requirements, please contact Western and we will be pleased to discuss your needs.