We recently came across a thought-provoking article in Chemosphere, discussing a peer-reviewed study uncovering toxic chemicals in black plastic food-contact items sold in the United States. Although this issue arises outside Europe—where stricter regulations on plastic recycling apply—it offers important insights. As the global focus shifts towards guaranteeing efficient recycling processes for polymers, this study raises questions about the safety of materials in recycled products.
What reveals the research
The study, led by scientists from Toxic-Free Future and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and published on Toxicfreefuture.org, found peculiar results. Toxic chemicals were detected in household items made with black plastics, including food serviceware, kitchen utensils, and toys. The issue doesn’t seem to originate from the manufacturing of these items but rather from their recycling process.
Heather Stapleton, a professor at Duke University, remarked, “These results clearly demonstrate that flame-retardant-containing electronics, such as the outer casings of large TVs, are being recycled into food storage containers and utensils. While it’s critical to develop sustainable approaches when addressing our plastic waste stream, we should exert some caution and ensure we’re not contributing to additional exposures to these hazardous chemicals in recycled materials.”
The role of flame retardants in the plastic lifecycle
The study further revealed that plastics typically used in electronics—such as styrene-based materials—contain significantly higher levels of toxic flame retardants compared to those less associated with electronics, like polypropylene and nylon. These findings point to a concerning practice: the recycling of e-waste into everyday household items.
It’s worth noting, however, that products containing flame retardants generally do not pose health risks, as these chemicals are safely incorporated into the polymer.
That said, the recycling process adds complexity. When plastics from various sources are mixed, recycling requires careful consideration of the additives present to ensure the safety and functionality of the final product. In some cases, flame retardants can be managed or removed efficiently during recycling to produce safer materials for reuse.
Advancing sustainable recycling
At Greenchemicals, the “green” mission is at the heart of what we do, including how we approach plastic recycling. In recent years, we’ve developed a series of innovative packages designed to remove harmful substances from polymers during the recycling process, enabling the creation of second-life plastics that are both safe and environmentally friendly.
Take the construction sector, for example. Many insulation materials historically contained HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane), a flame retardant banned and classified as an aquatic pollutant since 2015. When buildings containing these materials are demolished, the disposal of HBCD-laden insulation is costly, and the polystyrene cannot be easily reused.
This is where Greenchemicals comes in. Our patented solution, GC HBCD Chiller, completely removes HBCD during recycling, allowing polystyrene insulation boards to be safely reused. This innovation not only delivers environmental benefits but also creates economic opportunities by transforming waste into valuable resources.
Towards a safer and more sustainable future
Plastic recycling holds enormous potential to reduce waste and create circular economies.
However, this can only be achieved with careful attention to the additives and legacy substances present in recycled materials. At Greenchemicals, we are committed to developing technologies that make plastic recycling safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Let’s keep pushing the boundaries of innovation for a future where plastics truly embody sustainability.
